Newsletter, Term 2 2025

Principal's report

Hello everyone,

We have had an exciting and eventful term, filled with activities and opportunities for our students. Here is a quick recap of what we've been up to: There were several excursions and incursions arranged this term.  Students had a fabulous time at our Point Peron & Swan Valley camps, exploring the great outdoors, building their teamwork skills, and making unforgettable memories. Selected students went to the WA Museum on an excursion to delve into the history of Australia’s First Nation Peoples, looking at artifacts that sparked lively debates and deepened our understanding of our country’s rich cultural heritage. Selected upper school students completed White Card Training, which is the mandatory certification for working safely in construction and high-risk environments.  The Pathway Planning team arranged several Career Taster excursions - to give students experience and insight into various industries and career paths.  Students completed the Kids Helpline Modules, where they focused on coping with changes, respectful relationships, and safety through engaging modules.  We were thrilled to invite staff from the Thriving in Motion Program, supported by Telethon 7 Perth, into the centre to run their eight-week program encouraging students to move for mental health.  Our annual Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Day, run by our Bushrangers, is a day dedicated to celebrating and learning about the culture and stories of our First Nation Peoples.  To celebrate the end of term, students and staff attended a whole centre excursion to Warwick cinemas to see the movie "Elio”. Every year we support the Biggest Morning Tea and raise vital funds to support Australians impacted by cancer.  Each class baked a cake slice, and these were tried by the Admin team, and judged with strict criteria, to determine the class who would receive the award for best cake.  The slices were then enjoyed by staff in return for a gold coin donation.  
Our Parent Liaison Officer, Tamara, has gone above and beyond to arrange several events this term.  She hosted a morning tea, with a speaker from Future Living discussing “Wills and Trusts for Children”.  When this had finished, parents participated in a bus tour to visit Alinea, a supported workplace in Shenton Park, and IKEA, an open employment setting in Innaloo. Later in the term, Tamara organised for Gaelen Williams to give a presentation to parents about employment supports and she also arranged our second outing for fathers, grandfathers, and significant males in our students' lives to get together at X-Golf, Balcatta. 
Every two years, our Education Support North Network holds a conference on one of our school development days, for the education facilities in the North Metro area.  The conference this year, attended by around 1300 staff, featured insightful sessions, including a keynote by Andrew Whitehouse, Deputy Director of the Kids Research Institute. We also had the pleasure of hearing from Dr. Ross Greene and enjoyed a stand-up comedy performance by Peter Rowsthorn, who is probably best known for his role as Brett Craig in the hit series Kath & Kim.With the current focus on staff and student wellbeing, we have established a Wellbeing Committee and one of their first initiatives was to celebrate Administration Appreciation Day with small gifts for staff in the Admin block.   To strengthen the approach to wellbeing at West Coast, staff also participated in an after-school development session to upskill in Resilience First Aid Training.  This mental health training taught staff valuable strategies and knowledge to build resilience in themselves and others. We learned to spot signs of low resilience, use proactive language, and develop a strength-based approach.  Follow up work will lead to the development of a psychosocial risk management register.  Finally, our school photo day went smoothly, albeit we had to organise around 180 people for a whole school photo, and we captured smiles that will last a lifetime!Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. Let's keep the momentum going and I look forward to more exciting activities in Semester 2!

Warm regards, 

Carol Clarke
Principal

Point Peron camp

On Monday, 5th May, a group of our adventurous students set off for an unforgettable three-day, two-night camp at Point Peron. With a perfect mix of outdoor challenges, creative fun, and community spirit, the camp was a highlight of the term.
The first day saw students split into two groups—one learning bushwalking skills and safety before heading out on a scenic hike, while the other tackled roping challenges like rock climbing and the crate stack. On the final day, the groups swapped to ensure everyone got a taste of both adventures.
Day two brought water-based excitement with kayaking in the bay and a surf safety session. The sandcastle competition was a standout, with incredible creations including the Pyramids of Giza, Eiffel Tower, a sit-in boat, a volcano and a detailed crocodile head.
Afternoons were filled with social ball games, and evenings came alive with movie nights, a student-led Quiz Night, and even impromptu line dancing lessons! A few unforgettable highlights included Michael’s fashionable evening attire, Mr Jesse’s unbelievable half-court overhead basketball shot (thankfully caught on camera!), and the ever-popular Cornhole games that drew a crowd. All of this was set to a soundtrack of student-requested music, creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.
Meals were enjoyed on the outdoor deck overlooking the ocean—an unbeatable setting to unwind and connect.
The camp was a wonderful experience made possible by our amazing staff, students, and the stunning location manned by the Point Peron Camp staff. We will be back!

Zac Redknap
Teacher

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 9

Next

Swan Valley Adventure centre

Swan Valley Adventure Camp – A Memorable Experience!

Our students had an unforgettable time at Swan Valley Adventure Camp! The fun kicked off with team-building exercises that had everyone laughing, thinking, and working together to conquer exciting challenges.

Day one also included some high-flying action on the flying fox and some impressive skills on the archery range – even a few brave staff members joined in the fun!

That evening, we were treated to an incredible stargazing session led by Rosie’s dad. Under the clear skies, we spotted planet clusters and got a close-up look at the moon – a magical moment for all.

On day two at the Perth Hills Discovery Centre, students got up close and personal with some of Australia’s most fascinating creatures – including the unforgettable moment of holding a snake around their necks! We explored bushwalking trails and learned about deadly and dangerous animals before enjoying a delicious sausage sizzle lunch.

The camp was filled with laughter, great food, sunshine, and new friendships. It was a fantastic experience for all students, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Sarah Redknap, Roisin Cummings
Teachers

Year 7 WA Museum

HASS NEWSLETTER TERM 2

Area’s A, B and F

WA Museum/Boola Bardip Visit

Exploring Australia's Ancient History

Our recent visit to the WA Museum/Boola Bardip was an enriching experience for our students. The hands-on workshop provided a unique opportunity to delve into the role of archaeologists and critically examine the ethical concerns surrounding the collection of artefacts.

Students engaged in inquiry-based learning, handling and analysing both real and replica objects from the Museum's collection. This approach allowed them to better understand investigation techniques and the complexities involved in piecing together elements of the past.

A highlight of the visit was the Origins gallery, where students explored the significant contributions of Traditional Owners and archaeologists to Australia's ancient history. This immersive experience encouraged students to consider multiple perspectives and appreciate the diverse narratives that shape our understanding of the past.

Throughout the workshop, students encountered challenging questions and interrogated issues related to the collection of cultural artefacts and human remains. This critical examination fostered a deeper awareness of the ethical considerations that must be addressed in the field of archaeology.

Overall, the visit to WA Museum/Boola Bardip was a valuable educational experience, providing our students with a comprehensive understanding of Australia's ancient history and the important role of archaeologists in preserving it.

Amanda Letizia
Teacher

Biggest Morning Tea

Celebrating Community Spirit at the Biggest Morning Tea

On Tuesday, 11th June, our school came together once again for the annual Biggest Morning Tea, an event that unites us in support of the Cancer Council and their vital work in cancer research and patient care.
Each class put their culinary creativity to the test, preparing a delicious slice to contribute to the morning tea spread. From jelly slices to Irish fifteens, and even pineapple cheesecake, the variety was impressive. The slices were judged on taste, aroma, texture, consistency, and presentation, with Area J’s apple slice emerging as the winner. Their well-earned prize? A celebratory pizza party for the whole class!
Beyond the joy of baking and tasting, the event reinforced the power of community. Through generous gold coin donations, we raised significant funds that will make a real difference to those impacted by cancer.
Thank you to everyone who contributed, attended, and donated—we remain dedicated participants in this meaningful cause, and we look forward to next year's Biggest Morning Tea!

Kerry McLaren
Deputy Principal

Education Support North & South Networks Host Biannual Conference

Education Support North & South Networks Host Biannual Conference

WCSESC joins over 1,300 Education Support Staff as they gather at Perth Convention Centre.

On May 30th, the Education Support North Network and Education Support South Network came together for their highly anticipated biannual conference, held at the Perth Convention Centre. The event saw a remarkable attendance of over 1,300 education support staff, eager to engage in discussions and professional development aimed at enhancing inclusive education practices.

The conference opened with welcoming remarks from Director General Jay Pickett, alongside Regional Directors of North and South Metro, Cheryl Townsend and Sue Cuneo, who reinforced the importance of collaboration and shared learning.

Attendees had the opportunity to hear from esteemed keynote speaker Andrew Whitehouse, Deputy Director (Research) at The Kids Research Institute Australia, as well as participate in multiple concurrent sessions led by prominent leaders in disability education. Experts such as Dr. Ross Green, Kelly Oldfield, and Eliza Dadson presented on critical topics, including strategies for school re-engagement, ADHD, explicit instruction, and differentiation.

The event concluded on a high note with a lively and entertaining closing address by Peter Rowsthorn, leaving attendees inspired and invigorated for the future of education support.

The conference was widely regarded as a great success, fostering meaningful discussions and equipping educators with valuable insights to enhance their practices.

Kerry McLaren
Deputy Principal

Exploring Future Pathways

Exploring Future Pathways: Employment Tour Success

Earlier this term, ten parents of our Upper School students joined myself and our two Deputy Principals, Kerry and Lisa, for a special Employment Tour designed to explore future work opportunities available to our young people. The day provided insight into both open employment and supported employment options—and sparked plenty of meaningful conversations about life after school.

We began with an informal and informative chat with Michael at IKEA, who generously shared his knowledge about inclusive hiring practices and the kinds of roles available. Over lunch, we couldn’t resist indulging in IKEA’s famous meatballs—an added treat that made the experience even more enjoyable!

The afternoon took us to Alinea, where we were guided on an eye-opening tour by Caroline. She shared, with great compassion and expertise, the wide range of supported employment opportunities on offer. A special moment was the surprise encounter with two of our own students—Christopher and Jade—who were proudly working that day. Seeing them in action was both heart-warming and inspiring.

This tour not only gave parents a clearer picture of what employment can look like for their children but also helped to ease some of the common worries around this important transition. We’re grateful to both IKEA and Alinea for their warm hospitality and ongoing commitment to inclusive workplaces.

We look forward to offering more of these opportunities in the future as we continue working together to build strong, supportive pathways for our students.

Tamara Gill
Parent Liaison Officer

Planning for the future

Planning for the Future: Morning Tea with Erin from Future Living
On Thursday 29th May, we were delighted to welcome the lovely Erin from Future Living for our annual Parents' Morning Tea presentation on Wills and Trusts. Erin delivered a thoughtful and informative session that offered reassurance, clarity, and practical guidance around future planning for families of children with disability.
Future Living is a not-for-profit organisation that supports families in planning for the long-term wellbeing and security of their loved ones. They provide expert advice on areas such as Wills, Trusts, guardianship, and supported decision-making—helping families navigate complex legal and financial systems with confidence and compassion.
The session gave parents the chance to ask questions in a relaxed environment and connect with others going through similar planning stages. And of course, no morning tea would be complete without the obligatory cupcakes, which were enjoyed alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee!
We thank Erin and the team at Future Living for their ongoing support and look forward to welcoming them back next year for another valuable session.

Tamara Gill
Parent Liaison Officer 

Area C

 Not-So-Good News!

Area C has continued exploring the theme of portraits this term, experimenting with a variety of artistic mediums. Students have created Picasso-inspired faces, vibrant 3D bubble-gum portraits, prints influenced by Andy Warhol and clay portraits. 
Their incredible clay-modelled portraits are now on display in the school reception—be sure to take a look! The students have thoroughly enjoyed this topic, and we can’t wait to see what creative adventures next term will bring.

Erica Waldock 
Teacher

ASDAN Meal preparation and cooking

ASDAN Meal Preparation and Cooking 

Area J & M Year 9 Students. Every Thursday, while the Year 10 students are off-site attending TAFE and completing certificate courses, our Area J and M Year 9 students have been busy working through the ASDAN Towards Independence – Meal Preparation and Cooking module. Students have engaged in a variety of practical and worksheet-based activities, designed to build their independent living and kitchen safety skills. These include lessons on hygiene and cleaning routines, identifying kitchen hazards, food storage (fridge/freezer/pantry), and using a range of kitchen equipment safely and confidently. Each week, students have participated in planning simple meals and snacks, writing ingredient and equipment lists, and helping to prepare and cook both hot and cold food items and drinks. This term, students experimented with different slice recipes—putting their baking skills to the test! Looking ahead, students have begun planning for a special event in Term 3—Daffodil Day. They will each design, bake and decorate cupcakes to sell at the school’s Daffodil Day stall, with all proceeds going to the Cancer Council. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to apply their learning to a real-world cause and contribute meaningfully to the community. It’s been a productive term, and I look forward to seeing how their cupcakes turn out next term.

Christine Abbott
Teacher

Area J

For Bushrangers, Area J have been picking up rubbish that students have unfortunately left behind after recess. Each week, we walk around, collect the rubbish, and weigh how much we’ve found. So far this term, we’ve collected over 4.5 kilograms! 
We have estimated that by the end of the year we may have collected over 25kgs of rubbish!!!!
So, next term, we’ll be making posters to remind everyone to put their rubbish in the bin and take care of our school and the environment.

Erica Waldock
Teacher

Area L

Mondays in Area L are focused on building independent living skills through the Community Access program. Each week, students head out to Warwick shops for the ingredients needed for Tuesday’s cooking session, where they prepare meals for the Salvation Army as part of their community service.
While out in the community, students participate in transport training, practise navigating the supermarket, locate specific shopping items, and follow the step-by-step process of making a purchase. They also focus on understanding and demonstrating appropriate social behaviours in public. These experiences help build confidence and play a vital role in strengthening students' independence in everyday situations.
A highlight of the outing comes once all tasks are complete students enjoy morning tea together and spend some social time out in the community. This well-earned break also provides opportunities to develop important social and communication skills in a relaxed, real-world setting.

Shannon Talbot
Teacher

Employment Supports Evening

Employment Supports Information Session a Big Success!
On Wednesday 18 October, West Coast Secondary Education Support Centre (WCSESC) proudly hosted its annual Employment Supports Information Session — and despite the rainy weather, we had a fantastic turnout of parents and carers.
The evening was led by two of our trusted community partners, Gaelen Williams and Will Scott-Jeffs, who shared their extensive knowledge about the range of employment pathways and supports available for students preparing to transition out of school.
The session was packed with useful and up-to-date information, including options for meaningful and sustainable employment for school leavers both this year and in the years to come. Families gained valuable insights into how services like NDIS-funded employment supports, discovery processes, and tailored skill-building programs can help young people find success beyond school.
A huge thank you to everyone who braved the weather to attend, and to Gaelen and Will for their time and commitment to helping our students plan for a bright future.
If you couldn’t make it and would like more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the school – we’re here to help!

Tamara Gill
Parent Liaison Officer

Micro-Enterprise at West Coast

Thursday mornings at West Coast are busy, with students engaging in a range of hands-on Micro-Enterprise programs. One of these is Purpose for Plastics, which provides students with practical experiences that foster creativity, sustainability, and small business skills and opportunities. In Purpose for Plastics, students work with bottles collected from around the school, supported by families who have contributed by gathering lids. The students remove the lids, crush the bottles, and then sort and wash the lids in preparation for reuse. They are now melting the lids down and trialling the creation of plant pots, which will be used alongside our Succulent Garden program. This project not only encourages environmental responsibility but also offers valuable insight into real-world processes such as recycling, design, and product development.

Shannon Talbot
Teacher

Area A

We have had an amazing term in awesome Area A!

Camp was wonderful, some of our students tried Archery for the first time and a few students demonstrated courage by having a snake placed around their neck!
We explored the WA Museum Boola Bardip on the HASS excursion, a highlight for our students was looking at artifacts and learning about the dinosaurs.
We had a great fun participating in the Telethon filming day and enjoying a sausage sizzle with the rest of the school.
Our goal for the end of the term is to complete a 1000-piece puzzle which all students having been working on together. Teamwork makes the dream work!

Danielle Sanger
Teacher

Student Council Election Day 2025

On Monday 16th June, our school hosted its inaugural Student Council Election Day. 

It truly was a whole-school effort, and the excitement and sense of occasion around the event were amazing to witness. From the lead-up to the speeches, to the polling and the final count, our school community came together to celebrate student voice and the democratic process.We were thrilled to see such strong engagement from the student body, with passionate candidates, thoughtful speeches, and enthusiastic voters bringing the spirit of democracy to life right here at West Coast. After counting student votes, we are delighted to announce our newly elected Student Councillors as Duane Yr 7, Lucas Yr 8, Matilda Yr 9, Anthony Yr 10, and Sophie Yr 11. These students will represent their peers and work together to ensure West Coast Secondary Education Support Centre is a positive environment for all to learn. We are sure they will be committed councillors and excellent role models. We would also like to acknowledge our Reserve Councillors, who will be ready to step up and support council activities. Congratulations to Abbie Yr 7, Nathan Yr 8, Bailey Yr 9, Zac Yr 10, and Charlie Yr 11.All candidates put in an incredible effort and worked extremely hard on their campaigns - creating eye-catching posters, sharing their ideas with classmates, listening to feedback and preparing fantastic speeches. Throughout the process, they demonstrated integrity, respect and teamwork, showing exactly what positive leadership looks like. We are so proud of you all.

A very special thank you goes out to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to make Election Day 2025 possible:

• Our dedicated election officials who kept things running smoothly at the polling stations
• The team of students and staff who created the highly professional election materials - including ballot papers, voter lists, signs, banners and the ballot box
• Everyone who supported candidates in preparing and delivering their speeches
• The hardworking group who transformed the Maths Void into such an authentic-looking polling place
• The catering crew who ran the BBQ and served up our democracy sausage sizzle
• Those who captured the energy of the day through amazing photos and video footage.
It was a day to remember, and it would not have been possible without the support, creativity, and teamwork of our
entire school community.
Thank you all!

Julie Day
Student Council Coordinator

Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Day

On 1st July, our whole school took part in a meaningful and engaging Aboriginal Culture Awareness Day (ACA Day). The day was designed to deepen students’ understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture. The day was filled with a variety of interactive and hands-on activities that helped bring Indigenous history, art, and traditions to life for all students. One of the most memorable highlights of the day was the creation of a collaborative whole-school mural featuring students’ handprints. This vibrant and symbolic artwork will be proudly displayed in our school as a lasting tribute to our shared learning and respect for Aboriginal culture. Another special activity involved planting Bain plants, a native bush medicine known for its healing properties, particularly for cuts and insect bites. Additionally, students had the opportunity to design and decorate their own boomerangs and tapping sticks, gaining an appreciation for their cultural significance and the role they play in storytelling, music, and daily life. Each session throughout the day was not only educational but also fun and engaging, allowing students to connect with Aboriginal culture in a hands-on and meaningful way. The atmosphere was filled with curiosity, creativity, and respect, making ACA Day a truly unforgettable experience for all. 

Roisin Cummings
Bush Ranger Instructor

Scitech

On Tuesday, 24 June, Area N visited Scitech for an excursion to consolidate what we’ve been learning in the Earth and Space Science curriculum this term. After an eventful start catching public transport—and with the first bus not arriving as expected (eeeeek!)—everyone hustled to make it to the planetarium show just in the nick of time!

We all enjoyed The Astronaut Show, which explored the physical and mental preparations astronauts undergo for their ventures into space. Some of us weren’t too confident in our own astronaut survival skills, especially after experiencing the motion-induced queasiness from the show.

Afterward, we had free time to explore the general exhibits and experiment with all the cool experiences Scitech has to offer. We were also lucky enough to visit during the Mars Exhibit, where some students practised rocket landing skills and investigated how to grow plants in space.

We finished the excursion with a live show exploring the properties of different elements—we saw metal turn to liquid, observed metal heating to its rusting point, and watched gases combust! Jude was even picked from the audience to assist the presenter during part of the demonstration, and we were so proud of his efforts on centre stage.

Thank you to all the staff and students who made this day such a fun and valuable learning experience!

Emily Dayman & Janet Rogers
Teachers

Australian eSports League

Minecraft Competition:
This term, students from Years 7 to 10 showcased their creativity and teamwork in an exciting Minecraft competition run by the Australian eSports League. Competing in two categories - Global Marvels, where students recreated iconic historical monuments, and Tomorrow’s Workforce, where they represented industries or careers of the future - our students truly impressed!Among the incredible builds were The Perth Bell Tower, The Great Wall of China, Stonehenge, The Great Pyramids, and imaginative structures inspired by the judicial system. Students worked collaboratively to design, build, and present their creations, demonstrating both innovation and enthusiasm.We are so proud of our talented young builders - well done to all involved!
AEL Highschool Competition:This term, Anthony Dinh proudly represented West Coast in the Australian eSports League’s Online High School Competition for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Competing in weekly Swiss Rounds against students from across the country, Anthony demonstrated skill, strategy, and determination.Anthony’s efforts paid off on Saturday 14th June, when he competed in the main tournament and secured 1st place in his bracket - an outstanding achievement!On behalf of the entire West Coast community, congratulations Anthony! We’re incredibly proud of your success and can’t wait to see what you achieve next.

Zac Redknap
Teacher

Term 3 Planner

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer fermentum sagittis felis eu ullamcorper. Integer lobortis et leo ac molestie. Nunc malesuada tellus eu est commodo semper. Sed tempus placerat dapibus. Curabitur rhoncus convallis nisi, non ultrices mi sodales quis. Aliquam consectetur lectus at rhoncus iaculis.