WELLBEING WEEK NEWSLETTER
In week 9 of this term, Student Services celebrated their annual Wellbeing Week offering self-care activities, healthy food and live entertainment for our students. The week started with Gong therapy, where we saw more students than ever before taking the opportunity to experience this unique art of relaxation. Other highlights of the week were the cuddly animal farm and Sevenoaks’ own Fashion Parade hosted by Back on the Rack Furthermore, students had the chance to engage in arts and crafts, planting workshops or just rest in the chill out zone. The week was concluded with a Dodgeball tournament It is safe to say that there was something on offer for everyone.
We also welcomed back our yearly services expo with around 16 different organisations showcasing their programs and offering engaging activities as well as information about community support for our young people A huge thank you to everyone who came along and made it an unforgettable experience.
Student Services would like to thank everyone who contributed and helped out to make our Wellbeing Week a success. Special thanks go out to the Hospitality staff and students, the Student Guild and the Back on the Rack committee as well as every single student who volunteered their time to help setting and cleaning up. We could have not done it without you!
FROM THE PRINCI
Welcome to our term two newsletter I ho enjoy reading about all that has been g Sevenoaks over the past months. As always, community has been immersed in many a celebrations.
We are proud to announce the first stage completion of our Aboriginal Cultural Learning Centre with the centrepiece, a Yarning Circle Through discussions with our Elders and significant Aboriginal stakeholders, an amazing cultural learning area is now ready for our students.
Our classrooms are as vibrant as ever offering wonderful opportunities for students to expand their learning with many authentic tasks.
NAIDOC Week was the perfect opportunity to have a first look and photo opportunity. A big thank-you to our Elders, Mr and Mrs Eades and our stakeholders who supported us; to Vice Principal Katie Edwards, Administration Officer Caroline Griffiths and Follow the Dream coordinator, Dr Jennet Hansen for getting the project to this point.
Our students have been busy exploring their futures in a range of environments including workplace learning; Wardiny Bidi with guest speakers from our partners Komatsu and Cummins; and, excursions to Curtin University – English Literature Conference, UniReady tour and the RACI Chemistry Titration Competition.
Students and staff were kept busy this term, with OLNA, ESTs and Exams on top of their individual course assessments I appreciate everyone’s commitment to the academic progress of our student cohort
Our sporting teams continue to enjoy representing the College in soccer and volleyball and have been great ambassadors and representatives of Sevenoaks.
Our Student Services team presented a wonderful week of Wellbeing activities which students readily engaged with to make sure that we keep healthy during these winter months.
Thank you to you our parents and caregivers who continue to support our students and for those of you who were able to come to our recent parent night. I hope you enjoyed the opportunity to look at our Art, Woodwork, Metals and Textiles students’ impressive work, which was proudly displayed in the foyer. A reminder that teachers are available at any time to discuss your child’s progress. Appointments can be made at the front office.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our wonderful Sevenoaks community Enjoy the break and I look forward to welcoming you back for Term 3 on Monday July 21st.
Dr
Karen Read AM, Principal
NAIDOC WEEK
2025 THEME
In 2025, NAIDOC Week marks a powerful milestone: 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience. The 2025 theme, "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy," celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the cy of our ancestors.
CELEBRATIONS AT SSC
Late this term, we celebrated NAIDOC Week with an unforgettable assembly, led entirely by our First Nations students. The celebration began with a moving Welcome to Country, delivered by respected Elder, Aunty Jacqui Eades. This was followed by dances and song performed by our Deadly Sista Girlz, supported by Aunty Stella, and Follow the Dream boys, supported by Didge player and Sevenoaks alumni, Tynan Garlett
We were then treated to a powerful speech by Sevenoaks Alumni, Aaliyah Nestoridis, which beautifully reflected this year’s theme, “The Next Generation”. The event concluded with the presentation of our NAIDOC awards, celebrating the outstanding achievements of First Nations students.
The festivities continued with a delightful spread of traditional Aboriginal foods and craft activities, which provided a hands-on experience, bringing the community together in creativity and shared learning.
RECONCILIATION WEEK
As a leading school in cultural responsiveness, Sevenoaks proudly partnered with the Follow the Dream Program and our Harmony Across Borders student committee during Reconciliation Week to celebrate truth-telling, respect, and unity.
The week began with a powerful display acknowledging National Sorry Day, honouring the Stolen Generations and their families With over 60 student cultures represented, the College community then came together to create a collaborative art piece led by students with Aboriginal staff guidance. Reflecting the theme “Bridging Now to Next,” the artwork symbolised the strength of shared stories, relationships, and Sevenoaks’ ongoing commitment to reconciliation and cultural inclusion
The National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. Bridging Now to Next urges us to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us. Our determination to continue that journey towards a reconciled Australia and justice for First Nations peoples is unstoppable
I’m so proud of the video, created in collaboration between our First Nations students, staff and the Harmony Across Borders student committee, which highlighted what reconciliation means to our community here at Sevenoaks.
-DrJennetHansen FollowtheDreamCoordinator
IN THE CLASSROOM
DISSECTIONS IN HUMAN BIO WITH MR TSOI
This term, our Year 11 ATAR Human Biology students didn’t just learn about the heart - they held it, explored it, and stood in awe of one of the most extraordinary engines life has ever known With scalpels in hand and curiosity in overdrive, they uncovered the chambers, valves, arteries and veins that keep blood moving and bodies alive.
For many, this was the first time seeing up close what they’d only read about: the thick muscle of the left ventricle, the delicateness of the atrioventricular valves, and the sheer elegance of biological design It was more than a science lesson - it was a moment of reverence The kind that leaves you just a little more in love with how life works.
This is what human biology should be: real, hands-on, and unforgettable.
ROCKET SCIENCE WITH MS MCKNIGHT
Our Year 12 Science in Practice classes were out launching model rockets this term. Conditions have been perfect for flight, helping one of our rockets fly to 30m before landing safely. Space X might be seeking a few tips from us some time soon!
Students studied Newton's laws and rocket flight in class, then built model rockets of their own before launching them out on Coker Park. A fantastic, fun opportunity to see science in practice!
MATHS METHODS WITH MR YOUNG
Our Maths Methods students got creative this term thanks to an assessment where students, using their knowledge of functions together with graphing software, were asked to design their own logos and then calculate the area of the different shapes in the logos using calculus.
For Year 12s, the logos had to fit a theme of a day within the school calendar. Year 11s had to design their own art piece/logo for a t-shirt.
TEXTILES WITH MS WILTON
During semester one, Year 12 Materials, Design and Technologies (Textiles) student, Myla, has been working on designing and sewing a top for her class project.
For her surface decoration, she used a free motion sewing technique to embroider a seahorse This is a huge accomplishment as it is not an easy process to master, requiring a lot of patience and focus.
Myla has completed this whole process on her own - conducting her own research and then practicing before completing the seahorse design. “The end result is so delicate and intricate - it is truly amazing and I’m so proud,” said her teacher, Ms Wilton Myla’s top was proudly displayed in the foyer at the parent afternoon.
RACI STATE TITRATION COMPETITION 2025
In week 8, Sevenoaks Senior College proudly stepped into the spotlight, represented by three passionate and determined Year 12 ATAR Chemistry students: Zianne Argote, Miles Gabrino and Mhartina Louise Felicitas. These outstanding students rose to the challenge, competing in the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) State Titration Competition hosted by Curtin University This was not just a test of knowledge, but a celebration of precision, collaboration, and scientific curiosity.
In the weeks leading up to the event, the team showed incredible dedication, training before school, during breaks, and after school hours, refining their skills and mastering the art of titration. They were committed, focused, and determined to make every drop count
For those new to the world of titration, this competition is all about chemical accuracy and teamwork. Students must dissolve two unknown acid substances and titrate them using a standard sodium hydroxide solution. The reaction, a classic neutralisation, demands steady hands, sharp minds, and clear communication. Using their results, students then calculate the number of moles of acid present and submit their data to be judged on accuracy
Excitement had been building since the day the competition was introduced to the class. Nearly every student wanted in! But on the big day, it was Zianne, Miles, and Mhartina who carried the Sevenoaks banner forward“one pipette at a time”.
Arriving at Curtin University at 4:00pm, the team registered, received their station numbers, and took in the new, bustling environment surrounded by nearly 20 schools with a mix of public and private teams, all ready for action. Despite a few nerves, our team found their rhythm. Thanks to Curtin’s generosity, they suited up in vibrant lab coats, adding a splash of colour (and a bit of fun) to the serious task ahead.
With calm professionalism, they prepared their stations, rinsing glassware with distilled water, checking volumes, aligning their strategy At 5:30pm sharp, it was game time. For the next two hours, our students worked with focus and determination. From outside, our Chemistry teacher, Mr Hosany, could only offer encouraging waves and hand signals. And when they finally emerged, they were beaming.
"This was the best experience of our lives," they said And judging by their smiles, their teamwork, and their pride, you could tell they meant it
The results will be announced next term, and we are already buzzing with anticipation. No matter the outcome, these students have made Sevenoaks incredibly proud. They accepted the challenge, supported each other, and shone under pressure.
Stay tuned as there is more to come in the Sevenoaks titration story!
Huge thanks to Mr Hosany for facilitating this fabulous opportunity for our students. We appreciate all the extra time and work you put in to making this possible, and for facilitating this after hours excursion.
SPORTS
INTERSCHOOL SOCCER
Term 2 saw the return of the Senior Boys Regional Pennants Soccer Competition. Our group this year consisted of Kent St SHS, Darling Range SC, Willetton SHS, Mazenod SHS and Al Ameen College.
After a delayed start to the competition, we faced Kent St SHS for our first match in week 5. This was a very entertaining game, full of shooting opportunities, a guest appearance from a local dog, heavy downpours and several calf cramps, with the final score being a 2-2 draw.
We then headed to an away game against Darling Range SC who proved to be tough competition. We couldn't manage to make the most of our scoring opportunities, resulting in a 4-1 defeat
Back at home in the rain, we played a well-structured side in Willetton SHS
We once again had plenty of opportunities, but unfortunately could not make the most of them We finished the game tied at 1-1
Due to an unfortunate injury for teacher and coach Miss Mcleay, we had to cut the competition short in week 9. The boys did a wonderful job, demonstrating fantastic sportsmanship, as well as showing promising leadership skills We look forward to playing some friendlies next term to make up for missed matches. Special mentions to our goal scorers: Yakub, Keenan and Lian, and a big thank you to our very reliable helpers and linesmen, Reza and Jake.
INTERSCHOOL VOLLEYBALL
A chilling morning and an early start saw everyone arriving on time and keen to participate in the Interschool SSWA volleyball tournament at Warwick this term. Special mention to Mae Lanuza who showed up to cheer the girls on before we left, and who was there to meet us when we arrived back to school to celebrate our victory. Mae was inspirational and a big part of our victories due to her dedication to trials, training and tactics We look forward to her joining us in the next tournament
All four teams behaved exceptionally well and the captains took charge of their game roster and umpiring duties. Everyone showed great sportsmanship, energy and attitude. Mr Breadsell said “it was a pleasure to coach with Ethan and guide our teams through to the finals”.
Boys Team 1 - winners: won 3 out of 4 games in the rounds and then won the grand final against Harrisdale 2 sets to 1. MVP - Blessing Hset.
Boys Team 2 - runners up: played a round robin event against 7 other schools and came runners up by 1 point to Harrisdale. MVP - Dwayne Bayao.
Girls Team 1 - winners: won all four rounds and beat Al Ameen College in the Grand Final 2-0 MVP - Jordin Sarana
Girls Team 2 - winners: won 3 out of 4 games in the rounds then beat Lesmurdie in the Grand Final 2-1. MVP - Lani Baker.
E-RIDEABLE WORKSHOP
In week 5, 16 students jumped at the chance to be part of a ERideable workshop, delivered by WestCycle The workshop was funded by the Road Safety Commission to increase knowledge and practical skills of kids in schools. Students participated in a 2hour workshop, which covered legislation, courteous riding, practical riding skills and positive decision making. The highlight of the workshop was the practical skills, where our students completed a training course on campus using E-Scooters.
Student Services have received a lot of positive feedback from participating students, who for many it was their first experience on an E-Rideable. Our thanks goes out to WestCycle and we hope to welcome you back in 2026!
CUMMINS INTERNATIONAL VISIT
We were lucky enough to host a number of representatives from Cummins International from the Talent and Recruitment team, who visited us to check out the fantastic Trade Training Centre, and to meet with our students.
The Cummins team were here to observe best practice to support the development of future programs across the Asia and Pacific Regions Sevenoaks is recognised as one of the flagship Cummins TEC partnerships
Huge shout out to students Chrystal, Alyssa, Patricia, Samreen and Jaden who spoke about their experiences in the automotive and engineering programs and their future pathways and aspirations. Well done!
CO-CAPTAINS
Huge congratulations to Jersey Jabonillo and Destiny Sik on being selected as our Co-Captain’s for 2025. We are confident you will be fantastic ambassadors for the College, leaders in the Student Guild and role models for your peers
“I want to take on this leadership role because I truly care about our school and want to help make it the best it can be. I am confident in speaking up, advocating for my peers, and ensuring that student voices are heard,” said Destiny.
“Being part of this school has shaped me into the person I am today It is not just a place of learning it is a community built on respect, ambition, and teamwork. Throughout my time here, I've seen how great leadership can make a real difference. And today, I am ready to step up once again as Co-captain,” said Jersey.
Iamincrediblyproudoftheamazingstart thegirlshavemadeintheirnewroleascocaptains.Theyareleadingtheguildwith confidence,MC’ingassemblies,andareactively involvedincommitteesacrossthecampus.
BIG PICTURE ACADEMY
MAKING A DIFFERENCE AT A LOCAL BIRD SANCTUARY
We hear lots on the news about how our black cockatoos are dwindling in numbers and disappearing before our eyes as vast areas of bushland continue to be cleared to make way for new suburbs and infrastructure, but this term our Big Picture Academy (BPA) got to visit a local organisation that is making a huge difference in reversing this trend.
With over 40 acres of enclosed land, a partnership with the veterinary team at Perth Zoo, and over 200 volunteers on their books, the team at Kaarakin Bird Sanctuary are well placed to protect this beautiful species. Guided tours are available by booking only, but we would thoroughly recommend a visit. The culmination of the tour is a very hands on meet and greet with an aviary full of these birds, who are very curious, will eat out of your hand and quite happily sit on your shoulder and head
We were also treated to peephole camera view of a nesting cockatoo and its chick high in the trees, which is a sight few people ever get to see.
If birds are not really your thing, you can get to know the resident alpine dingos We found out how these animals are Australia's natural land based apex predator and they naturally help to maintain the delicate bushland ecosystem, controlling invasive species that attack our indigenous wildlife. This is a great way to spend a few hours and learn about our famous native birds and see how we can all help to protect them. Students had a fantastic time, learning so much in the process!
THORNLIE TAFE EXCURSION
If you are interested in Heavy Duty Diesel or anything in the Building and Construction trades area you really should pay a visit to Thornlie TAFE and request a tour of their outstanding facilities. Some of our students were interested in Carpentry and Painting and Decorating as apprenticeship pathways after Year 12, so they were keen to chat with the lecturers there. The staff are highly skilled and all come from real world backgrounds in community services, engineering, business, fabrication, heavy duty mechanical, information technology and building and construction. This makes a difference to how they deliver their courses which is much more focussed on demonstration rather than booklet work. So if you feel less than confident learning lots of theory this is the place for you to shine by showing what you can do.
Thornlie also has several specialist computing laboratories and access to modern heavy duty vehicles (yes the big big trucks!). It also features an oncampus business simulator, specialised in medical business training, the Koora-Marr Centre aboriginal cultural space and there is an Adult Migrant English Program campus. AMEP is a flexible program that offers free English language classes to migrants to help them settle in quickly Australia life Finally the Jobs and Skills Centres is also located on this busy campus, which means you have access to free career development advice and job opportunities.
This is definitely a TAFE you should go and see for yourself.
ALCOHOL AWARENESS COLLABORATION
This term, we partnered with the Armadale, Canning and Gosnells Local Drug Action Team led by East Metropolitan Health Service (EMHS) to actively engage Year 11 and 12 students from the Sevenoaks Academy in meaningful discussions and gathering their genuine feedback on alcohol advertising and its impact.
The facilitator, Jemma Moon from Aha! Consulting and EMHS staff supported and guided the students across the three sessions in June to develop their own solutions to address alcohol advertising in their local community. The first session saw students explore information on alcohol and related harms, alcohol advertising and media literacy. The second session gave students the opportunity to start working on their project ideas. In the final session the participants shared their projects to the rest of the class
The students did an amazing job in developing and sharing their ideas. They displayed excellent leadership qualities and voiced their perspectives to contribute positive change in their school and community.
East Metropolitan Health Service will be visiting the students again in Term 3 to announce the winning group
SHIPWRECK MUSEUM AND SCULPTURES AT MANJAREE
BPA students spent a glorious Autumnal day in Fremantle late last term, soaking up all the history and culture they could. As if the location was not stunning enough, we were treated to some outstanding sculptures both in the museum and on and around the beach area. Some favourites included ‘Carve’ by Richard Aitkin, a squashed vintage car saved from a wheatbelt scrapyard, and Gabby Testaferrata Olivier’s ‘BOOM’, which was a suspended work of art that had group photo opportunity written all over it! Another favourite was Mandy Hawkheads ‘Intonation’, which came alive when the tide came in and the tubular bars play notes.
CONTAINERS FOR CHANGE
In week 6 of this term, we celebrated World Environment Day by launching our yearly Container for Change Challenge. Over two weeks, students were encouraged to tidy their school community by collecting 10c containers around campus and hand them in to Student Services to earn raffle tickets. During this year's challenge, the school community collected 207 containers!
Congratulations to Dylan Rivero, who collected 23 containers and was crowned our new school champion! A big thank you to the Big Picture Academy who handed in a whopping 94 containers!
A gift basket was presented to our school champion and the Big Picture Academy as a small thanks for their huge efforts.
WORKPLACE LEARNING
JAMES - HESWA HYPERLIFT
James, one of our Year 12 Engineering students, has consistently demonstrated an outstanding work ethic across all his work placements.
Most recently, during a self-sourced placement at HESWA Hyperlift, James made such a strong impression that the employers said they would hire him immediately if he applied for a position
During James’ on-site visit, his workplace learning coordinator was approached by multiple employers who spoke incredibly highly of him.
James’ professionalism, enthusiasm, and commitment always leaves a positive impact on everyone he works with James is polite, enthusiastic, and gives 100% when representing Sevenoaks Senior College in the workforce. Fantastic work, James! Keep it up!
JIGME - STAR METAL FABRICATION
Jigme has been making a strong impression during her time at Star Metal. During a recent visit, her supervisor Tracy praised Jigme’s consistent work ethic and high-quality output She’s shown initiative, such as independently adapting filing systems while archiving paperwork all without needing extra guidance.
Though naturally quiet, Jigme engages well with staff and maintains a respectful and professional demeanour. Her clear understanding of responsibilities and reliable performance have made her a valued team member Star Metal is even considering her for future employment a testament to her dedication and potential.
"I had a great time doing my work experience at Star Metal Fabrication. I worked in the office, helping with scanning, emailing and using the computer. The team was really friendly and helpful, and I learned new skills that will help me in the future I enjoyed seeing how real workplace runs and being part of it My favourite part was learning how to do office task properly and working in a professional environment."
VUTI - CHALLENGER STREETWEAR
Year 12 Big Picture Academy student, Vuti, was offered a part time job at his work experience, Challenger Streetwear in Carousel, after attending only two days of work experience! The manager was really impressed with his work performance and his engaging personality, which is perfect for sales!
Just a short time later, Vuti was awarded "Employee of the Month". What an absolute star, showing a positive attitude and an excellent work ethic day in and day out. He works well as part of the team and has already picked up some extra paid shifts in his own time He is an outstanding example of Workplace Learning at its best Well done Vuti!
FOLLOW THE DREAM (FTD)
TALKING STICK DESIGN COLLAB
Nadene, one of our fabulous workplace learning coordinators, has a daughter called Brooke who is currently undertaking a Year 4 primary teaching prac and hoped to incorporate Aboriginal Dreamtime stories into her lessons To ensure her approach was culturally responsive, Nadene reached out to Jennet from Follow the Dream, who promptly provided relevant and respectful resources. When Brooke expressed interest in using a talking stick as part of her teaching, Jennet recommended we seek cultural guidance. With Jennet’s support, we consulted Monica Eades, who affirmed the cultural appropriateness of the idea. Follow the Dream students were then approached to create and design the artwork for the stick
Under the guidance of Monica and Jennet, students including Tahlia and Ella Rose beautifully decorated the talking stick with symbols representing children coming together to yarn. This collaborative process resulted in a talking stick that was used by Brooke in her lessons at the primary school for respectful communication and a symbol of cultural pride
It gave the students a sense of working collaboratively and was a sought after resource, with even the quieter students waiting eagerly for their turn with the talking stick. What an incredible initiative! Thanks to all involved.
NAIDOC AWARDS
During our NAIDOC assembly this term, we were proud to present awards to some incredibly worthy First Nations students, recognising their efforts in a number of different categories Congratulations to all our winners! Young Person of the Year - Tahlia Pabai
Sportsperson of the Year - Sol Iosia
Leadership Award - Marcus Bennell
Caring for Culture & Country Award - Robbie Cross & Imran Baluch
Creative Artist Award - Liliesha Kavanagh
Top Attendance Award - Corey Bertram
Academic Award - Kya Sims (Year 11) and Beau Yarran (Year 12)
Big Picture Endeavour Award - Tia-Louise Bull & Liam Westberg
MIDWEST LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Our Follow the Dream Program Coordinator, Dr Jennet Hansen, recently presented at the Midwest Leadership Conference in Geraldton at the invitation of the Director of Education (Midwest Education Region), Lisa Criddle.
The Director was inspired by Jennet's content on cultural responsiveness and what was happening at Sevenoaks, and invited her to share this with directors, principals, school leaders and AIEOS Director General of Education, Jay Peckitt, was also in attendance. Well done Jennet!
HOUSEKEEPING
2025 YEAR 12 COLLEGE BALL
JULY2025TERM2 NEWSLETTER
In case you haven’t heard, our annual College Ball is coming up on Friday 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. We can’t wait to see you all there!
OPEN DAY AND YEAR 6 VISITS
Our Open Day is right around the corner on Thursday 31 July!
Do you know anyone who is considering enrolling at SSC? This is their opportunity to spend a day at the College, learn about our pathways and course offerings, take a tour, meet our staff and students, and understand how Sevenoaks can help you to Find Your Future! Registrations for the event are now open! Visit our website for all the details.
We are excited to also be welcoming Year 6 students from a number of local primary schools to the College for taster tours next term! Students will spend half the day at Cannington Community College, learning about their offerings for Years 7-10, and will then join us here at SSC for a look at what they can expect for their senior schooling years! We are excited for this new opportunity to partner with our local community schools network.
IN THE MEDIA
SSC MAKES HEADLINES
