As we approach the end of Term 3 the heat is increasing in more ways than one. With a mammoth amount of activity happening and the Year 12’s on the home straight, I think we are all ready for a well-deserved break.

Course selections for Years 9-12 2022 should now be finalised, if you have not already done so can you please complete this ASAP to avoid disappointment. Also any of our families that have not enrolled their Year 7 children for next year, can you please do this as a matter of urgency. To ensure we have the correct staffing in place ready for the start of the year we really need an accurate picture of our numbers. Also, if students are arriving with a disability diagnosis, the sooner we know, the sooner we can start putting plans in place for their arrival.

The number of events and celebrations this term has been massive; Term 3 is always an eventful time. Early in the term we started with Science week. This saw the addition of lots of science related activities at recess and lunch with prizes being handed out to our winners.

Following this, we held our very first Spelling Bee competition as part of Book Week. There were various activities taking place throughout the week, finishing off with our annual dress up day.

After a re-arrangement due to COVID, we finally managed to open the Belridge Bindi Bindi Garden. An amazing Welcome to Country from Elder Josh McGuire opened proceedings, followed by a smoking ceremony. Full coverage of the event was broadcast on Noongar FM with host Sharon Wood-Kenney. It was such a wonderful afternoon, and showcased the “team” effort from the College. A full list of acknowledgements and photos of the event can be seen in this newsletter.

Belonging and inclusivity is a key aspect of the College. In week 6 we celebrated Wear-it-Purple day. The day strives to foster a supportive and safe environment for our rainbow young people and raise awareness of inclusivity amongst the school community. We also celebrated R U OK day in week 8, fitting in nicely with our current school wide initiative on Kindness.

Following the opening of our Bindi Bindi garden and the start of the nice weather, staff and students really enjoyed the music being played at lunchtime during the event. By popular demand, DJ Steve O'Neil and his DJ club have kindly offered to open up the garden dance floor (old chess board) and play some tunes each Friday lunchtime to welcome in the weekend.

Y7 Cricket camp was a success, with a special visitor from Australian Cricketing star Jhye Richardson. See full report in the Sporting News section.

In week 7 we held our annual Whole School Athletics Carnival. Our new Aboriginal inspired faction flags designed by Helena Mazzurra (Year 12) were on display for the first time. Helena spent a huge amount of time and effort putting these designs together and I have to say they look fantastic. The day started off a little wet and grey, but turned out to be a lovely sunny day in the end. Our Year 12 students did an amazing job with their costumes, we had the Teenage Ninja Turtles, the cast from Scooby Doo, a team of Richie Benauds’ and the Cookie Monster to name but a few. The sporting talent and participation levels just get better each year. A big thank you to all involved, our overall winning house was … Sharks!

We also had the opportunity to celebrate our wonderful EAs with an EA Appreciation Morning Tea. They do such a wonderful job across the school, caring and supporting those who need it most. We are so lucky to have them as part of our team, thank you Ladies!

Save the date - The college is turning 30!
On Friday 5th November the College will be holding its 30th anniversary celebrations. The event has been advertised via Facebook and in the newsletter - register your interest now for this family event and come and join us to celebrate the best of the last three decades!

Also, our annual open Board Meeting will take place on Monday 8th November. We really do want to hear your voice. Your ideas and opinions do matter. Please come and join us and help us plan for the future.

Finally, Year 12 end of year arrangements and graduation invites have now sent. I wish all of our students the very best for their upcoming exams. I know you have all been working really hard in some difficult circumstances – go out and smash them!

Sharon Lyon
Principal