HARMONY DAY NEWSLETTER
Harmony Day is always one of the most anticipated events on the Sevenoaks annual calendar. This year we are proud to have over 60 nationalities represented across our student and staff cohort, who all came together to celebrate our rich diversity
The day was filled with a range of wonderful activities, show stopping performances, and delicious food from all over the world Thank you to staff for making the day possible, and our students for wearing your beautiful traditional costumes, getting involved with everything that was on offer, and your help in making the day the best it could possibly be!
Shout out to our wonderful suppliers: Akwaaba 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, and the Western Australia Police Force for coming along to join in the fun!
FROM THE PRINCIP
Well, here we are with the first newsletter of t a whole host of activities which have taken p term one.
Our new students have settled in very w getting into life at Sevenoaks Already this te had many events for students to get toge about each other and explore their future.
One of the great highlights of Sevenoaks every year is Harmony Day which we celebrated recently with many students choosing to wear their national dress. Alongside our First Nation students’ dance and song, another great addition to our Harmony Day celebrations were the number of students who came together to perform a national dance adding much cultural significance to our day's events.
Thank you to all our parents and caregivers who took the time to come along to our first Parent Afternoon of the year. It is wonderful for our community to come together to support our students’ personal and academic progress and achievements.
Our Harmony Across Borders student committee have been very active from the beginning of the year starting with a Chinese New Year pop-up, followed by an Eid event. Students engaged respectfully with both events and it was great to see the work of the students who are on the committee come to fruition with the support of Ms Clifton, Ms Rahi and Mr Chan
As can be seen throughout this newsletter, our classrooms are always engaging with many great experiences. Many students have had an opportunity to participate in excursions to add value to their learning in the classroom. Workplace Learning is underway, a further opportunity for our students to test their future career plans. Our White Card micro-credential ensured our students are ready for work in the building industry.
We celebrated International Women’s Day with another pop-up event which had students engaging with the activities and gaining further understanding of the role women have played in history We also celebrated Dr Jennet Hansen who received the 2025 Department of Education Woman of Achievement Award. A wonderful recognition of Dr Hansen’s commitment to our Aboriginal programs over the past 20 years.
Our sporting teams have started their participation in broader events. Our Futsal teams have been proud representatives of our College and have performed well against their opponents.
Our newsletter highlights our Young Adult Ethos and the vibrant multi-cultural community which exists Our students’ sense of belonging and connectedness to their schooling is evident within this newsletter.
We have had a great term, and we wish everyone a happy and safe holiday.
I look forward to seeing you back for term two on Monday, April 28th.
Dr Karen Read AM, Principal
AWARD WINNERS
SEMESTER 2 2024 SUBJECT AWARDS
Our Achievement Awards for Semester 2, 2024 were presented at our first whole school assembly of the year by our Vice Principals, Ms Mary Anne Morgan and Ms Katie Edwards. These awards recognise the top performing student in each course of study Congratulations to all our winners, and a special mention to Year 12 student, Zianne Argote (pictured left), who received six Achievement Awards, recognising her as the top student in every single one of her subjects, WOW!
Endeavour Awards for the most improved/most hardworking student in each class were also awarded this term through Advocacy. Well done all!
CITY OF GOSNELLS EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
We were honoured to welcome Mayor Terresa Lynes from the City of Gosnells to our assembly to present their Education Scholarship to Year 12 student, Andjela Stankovic Andjela was nominated by the school for being a conscientious, hard-working, proactive and kind student who excels in everything she does. Her focus and dedication to high standards was noted by all her teachers. Not just a high achieving student, but also a truly lovely young woman with an incredibly bright future ahead of her. Well done!
ORDER OF AUSTRALIA - DR KAREN READ AM
We would like to congratulate our Principal, Dr Karen Read, who has been named in the Australia Day Honours List with the award of: Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to cricket, and to secondary education.
Dr Read’s passion to make a difference in young people’s lives is always evident through her outstanding leadership and belief that all young people can succeed given the right environment and support.
WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
Sevenoaks Senior College Polly Farmer Foundation Follow the Dream Coordinator, Dr Jennet Hansen, took out the 2025 Women of Achievement Award at the Department’s International Women's Day breakfast at Optus Stadium this term.
The Women of Achievement Award recognises exceptional female educators who contribute significantly to public education Dr Hansen was recognised for her tireless efforts to enhance educational outcomes for Aboriginal students, making a profound impact on students, families, and the community.
What an incredible way to celebrate over 20 years of service to the Sevenoaks community! Congratulations, Jennet!
I think the key to success for me has been consulting with the Aboriginal community, you need to know who you’re working with. So my first step is always to go back to the Elders.
IN THE CLASSROOM
SUBWAY STATION WITH MR ARMSTRONG
To provide our Hospitality students with real-world experience, we offer simulated work exercises in a safe environment One such activity is the "Pop-up Subway" We invite several classes to our kitchen, where they can enjoy a fresh sub, choosing their own ingredients. The Hospitality students prepare the ingredients and get ready to serve the customers. When the customers arrive, the students interact with them to understand their preferences, treat them with respect, and work as a team.
This year, we had over 100 students from six different classes participate in this activity A big thank you to the teachers who enthusiastically volunteered to be our guinea pigs!
ROCKETS WITH WITH MS MCKNIGHT
Year 12 Science in Practice students have been launching a variety of objects into space as part of their study into the chemistry and physics of rockets. Powered by carbon dioxide produced in chemical reactions, the rockets have soared to surprising heights. Some have surprised us by failing to take-off, others have flown well above the level of the Trade Training Centre, never to be seen again! Like true "test-pilots" our students have been experimenting to get their rocket designs "just right" Their successful flights receiving applause and cheers from the rest of the class The question of "why does my teacher have so many empty bottles of diet tonic?" will remain a mystery.
ART WITH MS WILTON
The focus for Year 11 Art this semester is food. Students have explored various media techniques and grounds with food as their inspiration. So far, they have completed studies of lollipops, donuts and biscuits and are currently working on drawings of a cupcake to later be developed into a ‘zombie cupcake’
The Year 12 Art students are working on independent projects. One of our students, Georgia, is working on a project based on Coca-Cola and environmental issues.
WHITE CARD
Over the course of three weeks late in the term, we ran White Card Training for our students, with our Workplace Learning Coordinators joining in on the action too! It was a great team effort to make the sessions engaging and informative
The training helped students learn about basic workplace safety, focusing on things like spotting hazards, staying safe on a construction site, and what to do in an emergency. On completion of the training, students received their White Card, which means they now have a microcredential qualification as well as the knowledge to work safely on construction sites and in other high-risk jobs What a great opportunity!
GRILL’D SPONSORSHIP
Last year, Sevenoaks was involved in the Grill’d Carousel Community Jars. Our jar was in support of our interschool and sporting teams, raising money for equipment and supplies to help students perform at their best
Thanks to community support, we won and received $300! These funds were used to purchase: whistles for umpiring, coloured cones, coloured sashes, two Bluetooth speakers and seven pairs of sports shoes for students to borrow.
Grill’d also supports Sevenoaks with ‘player of the day’ and ‘awesome effort’ free burger awards annually.
Thank you so much Grill’d Carousel!
SPORTS NEWS
INTERSCHOOL FUTSAL TOURNAMENTS
On Friday the 28 March some of our students participated in the SSWA Senior Girls Interschool Futsal North Competition. Our team of eight faced a series of very experienced teams; Lake Joondalup, SEDA and St Andrews to list a few Our girls were amazing, demonstrating resilience, teamwork and positivity throughout the day. Special mention to our goalkeeper Ashanna Jade who played every minute of every game, doing a fantastic job considering it was her first time playing the sport!
On Monday the 31st of March our boy's futsal team participated in the SSWA Senior Boys Interschool Futsal South Competition The boys ended up with only six players on the day and managed to play some amazing futsal. They went through their group stage undefeated, finishing top of their respective group. This qualified them for the semi-finals against Mandurah Baptist Colllege. They finished the game 3-3, resulting in a penalty shoot-out. Unfortunately, we lost the penalties 5-4, leaving us third place overall. This was a massive feat as there were 18 teams competing on the day We are very proud of the boys, they worked incredibly hard, demonstrating persistence, determination and reliability with all that they did on the day. Special mention to Rung Cin Mang who was our top scorer, finishing up with six goals!
On Wednesday the 9 of April, our boy’s futsal team got the opportunity to take part in the SSWA Senior Boys State Championships as a result of their wonderful performance in the South Competition Well done!
HARMONY DAY BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
The 2025 Annual Harmony Day half court basketball contest was very popular this year. Six teams competed for the title of Harmony Day Champs and the highly coveted Grill’d Burger voucher reward for the winning team.
All the players demonstrated fantastic skills and sportsmanship Well done to our winners: Jared, Vernon, Dylan and Anthony!
STUDENT GUILD
Congratulations to the following students who have been elected to this year's Student Guild: Jersey Jabonillo, Hayden Belleza, Destiny Sik, Tahlia Pabai, Marcus Bennell and Suzanne Greywood who make up our Year 12 group; along with Amy Carpenter, Kiarii Taylor, Brandon Smith and Angel Sharma who are this year's Year 11 representatives
These are the students who have been voted by their peers and teachers to represent the entire student body as Guild members in 2025, a truly fantastic achievement. Well done!
This year, our Guild will: be the voice for their peers and help make decisions about what goes on here at Sevenoaks enjoy leadership team building activities such as the Guild camp and GRIP Leadership conference fundraise and plan events such as Sevenoaks Got Talent MC school events such as assemblies and the Presentation Ceremony
Thanks to all students and staff who listened to our nominees campaign speeches and voted on the day. We appreciate you!
HARMONY ACROSS BORDERS
CHINESE NEW YEAR POP-UP EVENT
Our Harmony Across Borders (HAB) Committee held a fantastic Chinese New Year pop-up event this term, featuring fun facts and information about the Chinese Zodiac, traditions, food and more!
2025 is the Year of the Snake, which is said to bring a wise and intuitive energy. The snake, symbolising wisdom and transformation, offers opportunities for personal growth and challenge
EID-AL-FITR POP-UP EVENT
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Tuesday April 1 marked the end of the fasting month of Ramadhan for our Muslim students. This ending is usually celebrated with congregational prayer, festivities, gift-giving, community events and affairs, and a lot of good food.
At Sevenoaks, this spirit was also acknowledged with an incredibly exciting Eid event by the HAB Committee. Students were given an opportunity to understand the significance of the month of fasting, from a theological, spiritual and physical perspective by posing questions to Ms Rahi and engaging with the information provided Students also had a lot of fun at the Eid Photo Booth, and tasted some amazing local sweets. We can't wait to bring it back bigger and better next year! Thank you to everyone involved for their effort and creativity.
CAREERSPACE
Did you know that each month, our dedicated Careers Advisor/Pathways and Planning Coordinator, Ms Walsh, creates a fantastic Careerspace Newsletter, which features upcoming events in the careers space, job opportunities, TAFE and University news including upcoming Open Days, plus a career spotlight?!
Check out the latest edition by visiting the College website or our Jobs Board on Connect
BACK ON THE RACK
2025 BEGAN WITH A BANG!
Back on the Rack has reopened its doors, and we're off to a fantastic start this year! With a motivated team of Year 11 and 12 students, the shop is buzzing with energy and enthusiasm. These students are working hard to ensure Back on the Rack continues to shine as a space for great finds. Their dedication and drive is setting the stage for a successful year ahead.
This term has been full of activity:
Harmony Day display - We hosted a vibrant Harmony Day display that caught students' attention. Many stopped by, admired the items on display, and even put a few aside for later purchasing.
Ball attire pop-up stall - Break time became a fashion hotspot with our Ball attire pop-up stall. It was a hit, with students keen to explore and even a couple booking fittings
Easter Raffle excitement - A Back on the Rack first! Our Easter raffle was drawn this term, where every purchase earnt customers a raffle ticket and a chance to take home one of our awesome prize packs! Congratulations to the lucky winners, Charlie, Reon and Zainab!
A massive thank you to our incredible group of students and our wonderful Youth Worker, Michelle Your enthusiasm and dedication have made all of this possible We will be open every Wednesday at lunchtime in Term 2!
VALENTINE’S ACTIVITIES
On Thursday, February 13th, the Student Services team sprinkled a little Valentine's Day magic, and our students used their creativity to spread the love! Armed with heart-shaped plaques, students decorated, writing positive messages and giving them to loved ones, besties, or to themselves, because who says self-love can't sparkle too? From bold designs to heartfelt messages, cupid had his arrow pointed at Sevenoaks!
Huge thanks to Ms Wilton for donating the love hearts for the students to decorate.
So many students got involved and created some truly adorable designs, there was certainly love in the air!
BIG PICTURE ACADEMY
CONSTRUCTION FUTURES VISIT
The Academy visited the Construction Futures Centre (CFC) interactive installation again this year to learn about the myriads of careers on offer to students who will soon enter the work force
Construction is a vibrant and innovative sector of work, and our students were able to sample the newest technology first-hand. The CFC is a career development facility which uses augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) simulators and games to give young people an idea of what construction is, and what careers are available within the industry The Construction Training Fund (CTF) manages the demand for skills in areas of residential, civil and commercial construction; supporting young adults who want to enter the workforce. They can also assist individuals in obtaining a traineeship or apprenticeship and provide valuable career guidance on the many pathways available.
Whether you want to be a plumber for a new housing estate, a high rise or a mine site; or whether you wish to design the buildings and infrastructure of the future, CTF are there to help. Give them a call on 9244 0100 to arrange your own site visit or browse their website.
COTTESLOE SCULPTURE WALK
Despite the cancellation of Sculptures by the Sea, we refused to miss our annual pilgrimage to Cottesloe to appreciate the beautiful WA coastline, soak up the culture, and enjoy the autumnal weather. We happened upon some excellent permanent art installations along Marine Parade, which were donated from previous artists showcased in Sculptures by the Sea.
We thoroughly recommend the trail if you have a few hours to spare on a sunny day, which let’s face it, is most of the time! Do yourselves a favour and encourage your family and friends to go and have a look. It is a fantastic way to take full advantage of what our city has to offer, and you might even like to pack a picnic or indulge in a coffee or ice cream at one of the many cafes along Marine Parade.
RAC B-STREET-SMART EXCURSION
Since 2012, RAC bstreetsmart has been making a significant impact on thousands of secondary school students by providing a powerful, real-life perspective on the consequences of dangerous driving.
Our Big Picture students attended the program at RAC arena this term We witnessed a live crash scene re-enactment with emergency services, responding as they would in real life. We heard personal stories from those who have been directly impacted by road trauma and the students were also given opportunities to engage with emergency services personnel.
Young drivers are one of the most vulnerable groups on our roads. We hope this excursion has made a positive impact on our new drivers and has encouraged all of them to speak up if they feel unsafe as a passenger
PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE
This is the first year that students in Year 11 and 12 are eligible to join in the Premier’s Reading Challenge and we are thrilled to be included! From the 7th of April until the 27th of June, you can log what you’ve read and enter to win some incredible prizes
There are more than 200 weekly prizes to win including tech gadgets, book vouchers and e-gift cards. The prizes are drawn randomly so every book logged could be a winner!
Sign up today and let us know if you are one of the lucky winners!
Books and doors are the same thing. You open them, and you go through into another world.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY AWARDS BREAKFAST AT OPTUS
We were honoured to be invited to the 2025 Department of Education International Women’s Day Breakfast and Women of Achievement Awards at Optus Stadium this year Our very own Dr Jennet Hansen was one of five finalists for the award, being recognised for over 20 years of commitment to First Nations students and wider Indigenous community at Sevenoaks
The breakfast was a beautiful celebration of women. Special guest speaker, Turia Pitt, shared her inspirational story of strength, hope and resilience. She even had the room of over 800 guests doing squats!
Huge congratulations to all the finalists for the award, and special mention to Dr Hansen who took home the 2025 Women of Achievement trophy!
STUDENT SERVICES ACTIVITIES
On Thursday March 6th, Student Services set up activities to celebrate International Women’s Day, a time to honour and celebrate women - the trailblazers, the dreamers, the caregivers, the leaders, the innovators and everyone in between.
Students were able to use their creativity to decorate some beautiful flowers designed and made by Mr Murugan and his student helpers Students could attach messages and give them to the amazing women in their lives
We also had a photo booth where staff and students were able to write messages to uplift the incredible women in their life who inspire them with their determination, kindness and unwavering strength.
It was truly heart-warming to see how many people were keen to write these messages for the women they love and look up to!
FOLLOW THE DREAM (FTD)
FTD 2025: A YEAR OF GROWTH AND SUCCESS
As we step into 2025, Follow the Dream continues to empower Aboriginal students on their journey to academic and personal success. This year is our 21 year at Sevenoaks Senior College, 21 years of transforming futures through mentoring, leadership, and opportunity. With exciting programs, new partnerships, and the unwavering dedication of our students, tutors, and supporters, 2025 started on a big and busy note! Here are some highlights
WELCOME TO FOLLOW THE DREAM 2025
We kicked off the year with a warm welcome for our students, celebrating new beginnings with delicious cupcakes and good company. It was a great opportunity for everyone to connect, set goals, and get inspired for the year ahead.
BUILDING CONNECTIONS WITH THE "WEB OF CONNECTEDNESS"
As part of our team-building activities, students took part in the Web of Connectedness game This involved student holding onto a piece of wool, sharing something about themselves, and passing the ball to another, weaving a visual representation of our connections. By the end, a strong web symbolised the aim of building unity and support within our Follow the Dream community; a reminder that we’re all connected on this journey together.
KICKING OFF WITH SCIENCE
With STEM a big focus for the FTD program, it was pleasing to see our students becoming more engaged with science. From exciting experiments to real-world applications, our FTD boys are demonstrating their academic potential in this subject. Shout out to Mr Hosany for making the students and tutors feel very welcome and comfortable in his class. Here’s to a year of discovery and achievement in STEM.
BG&E PARTNERSHIP
Our partnership with BG&E continues to provide invaluable support to Follow the Dream students. Their scholarships and mentoring opportunities have helped students pursue their academic and career goals, particularly in STEM fields. The winners of the 2024 scholarships were:
Year 11: Beau Yarran
Year 12: Shane Cole
Top Aboriginal Student Award: Ciennah Nestoridis
Congratulations to Tyreese Smith who has secured part time employment with BG&E as a Trainee Drafter. BG&E provided Tyreese with a 3-day intensive AutoCAD course to get him inducted and he now works at their prestigious offices in the city.
STRENGTHENING OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH LANGFORD ABORIGINAL ASSOCIATION
In 2025, we continue our valued partnership with Langford Aboriginal Association, working together to support and uplift our students Through cultural engagement, mentorship, and community connections, this collaboration enriches our program and strengthens the pathways to success for our young people. One of our highlights for the term was an impactful session by Mercy Care on Respectful Relationships.
WILKES’ VISIT TO FOLLOW THE DREAM
We were honoured to welcome Follow the Dream alumni, Ian Wilkes, and his father, Associate Professor Ted Wilkes AO, to our program. Ian, a proud Noongar artist and performer, shared his journey, while Professor Wilkes offered wisdom from his work in health and advocacy. Their visit was an inspiring reminder of the power of culture, education, and community in shaping bright futures.
ALUMNI NEWS
We are proud to share that Follow the Dream alumni, Aaliyah Nestoridis, delivered the Acknowledgement of Country at the WA Police Force International Women’s Day morning tea at the Duxton Hotel this year. Her leadership and cultural pride continue to inspire, showcasing the strength of our alumni in the wider community.
ALUMNI SHINE AT UNIVERSITY
Ciennah Nestoridis - Bachelor of Nursing: Notre Dame
Nyeemah Gonzales - Bachelor of Nursing: Murdoch and $12,000 Ngala
Kwop Biddi Brighter Futures Scholarship recipient
Aprile Narrier - Indigenous Tertiary Enabling Course: Curtin
Tyreese Smith - Science and Engineering Enabling Course: Curtin
GOLD FIELDS SCHOLARSHIP
Year 12 FTD student, Marcus Bennell, has been awarded the Gold Fields Year 12 Futures Program $5,000 Scholarship for 2025!
The Gold Fields Futures Program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male students focussed on studying STEM subjects at school Successful applicants receive financial support in Year 11 or 12 and continued support if they choose to complete a tertiary degree in a STEM related field.
Award winners are also offered direct exposure to a range of careers through: connections with the Aboriginal Tertiary Scholarship program, graduate programs, and Indigenous leaders working in diverse operational roles throughout the organisation
HOUSEKEEPING
2025 YEAR 12 COLLEGE BALL
APRIL2025TERM1 NEWSLETTER
In case you haven’t heard, our annual College Ball is coming up on Friday 1st 1st 1st August (Week 2, Term 3). We are excited to announce that this year’s theme is Masquerade! We will be heading to The Westin Perth in their Grand Ballroom for our event, which will feature a delicious buffet meal, DJ, professional photographer, photobooth, mocktails, and a huge dance floor. Permission forms will be released early in Term 2, and tickets will be on sale until June 27 . Remember, you must have attendance above 90% to be eligible to attend th
Our contributions and charges incentive is back! Pay your school fees or enter into a payment plan by Friday 4 July, and you’ll automatically go in the draw to win a $250 Coles Myer voucher! Call 6235 7200 for more information. CONTRIBUTIONS AND CHARGES INCENTIVE
FREE HOME INTERNET UNTIL 2028!
Are you eligible for FREE home internet? The School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) has been extended to 2028! To find out more information and to check your eligibility, visit www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet.
NEW WEBSITE
Our brand new website is LIVE! Check it out now by visiting www.sevenoaks.wa.edu.au.
