Book Week 2024

Belridge Secondary College celebrated Book Week a little later this year to give us the opportunity to shine the spotlight on the positive impact that literature can have on us all.  Some of our most avid readers and aspiring creative writers were invited to an exclusive “Meet the Author” opportunity with acclaimed Western Australian author, Kate McCaffrey. Our aspiring writers learned about the highs and lows of being a writer and were given a rare opportunity to ask Kate questions about her writing process.  We thank Kate for her generosity in sharing her time and expertise with BSC students.

We also hosted some events to help the College staff discover some new authors and books.  A Book Swap outside the library gave everyone an opportunity to trade out old books for new stories and authors, whilst the Blind Date with a Book for staff gave new meaning to the phrase, “Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover”. Our Dress As Your Favourite Character day, and photo booth was a great success, with staff and students enjoying the opportunity to represent their literary heroes (or villains!), Form quizzes, colouring and Ms Prendergast’s “tearable pun” activities rounded off the week. Mrs Zarrop also ran a “Recreate a Book Cover” in her classes, with some amazing results.

Winners of Book Week events were: 

Thank you to everyone who got involved with our Celebration of Books week. 

Jo Baker
Head of Learning Area - English 

Book Week 2024

Music Showcase & Art Exhibition

This September we saw our music students put on an incredible show comprised of an eclectic mix of genres and instrumental performances.  Our first ever daytime Matinee performance was well received by over one hundred visiting Year 5’s, who particularly enjoyed the percussion items. The evening concert was a massive success, we had such great support from families and audience members that our auditorium was near capacity.  From first-time performers, who had only been learning for a couple of months, to veterans who have been with the program since Year 7 - all students involved performed marvellously and did themselves and the school proud. We have some extremely talented students.

Our talented Visual and Media Art students’ work adorned the walls of the Performing Arts Centre, displaying a variety of themes and mediums. From colourful creations, detailed print work, photography, mixed media, perspective and still life studies their wonderful work embellished every inch our PAC building walls.

We had upper school Visual Art and Fashion students whose work had been exhibited in this year’s Young Originals Exhibition, held at Edith Cowan University. Our inspired surrealist work by Kallie Hickman (Year 12) was selected for the Mindscape exhibition which was organised by Western Australian Society of Arts, held at Westralia Square Building, St George's Terrace, Perth last month. It was an honour to display their work and a huge congratulation on their dedication of time and effort in producing such fine work.
https://youngoriginals.com.au/2024/

A special ‘shout out’ to Dashlen Beasley for not only being involved in two of the musical performances but for his efforts all day as Stage Manager.

Such events take a lot of time and effort from a team of people to be successful. I offer sincere thanks to the following staff for their support and work, as this event would not have been possible without them. It is a pleasure and privilege to work with such a dedicated group of professionals.

Annemarie Verschoor - Coordinating with primary schools for the matinee, Front of House and general support, Noelene Hales - Backstage Manager, Jodie Grieve - Event Photographer and filming, Kristie Wintle and Coralie Heberley - Front of House

Liam Cunning and Jordan - Sound and Lighting Technicians

Claudia Muller, Harrison Garvey, Krystal Brine, Kylie Walpole, Stuart Rhine-Davis and Yoann Dejioanni - Instrumental teachers from IMSS who work each week with our students to develop their skills. Many of them were also present on the night to play with, direct or otherwise support our students.

Thank you also to the staff that came to watch the performances. Your support of our students is greatly appreciated.

Zachary Offszanka
Teacher – Music

Dance and Fashion Concert

Our sell-out 2024 Fashion and Dance Concert saw a showcase that combined the tremendous talents, fun and energy of all our Dance and Fashion students into one spectacular event. Our unstoppable and highly talented dancers performed a mix of lyrical, acro, hip hop, jazz and ensemble pieces along to sensational music tracks and with a dazzling light show. Our Fashion students walked the catwalk in their bespoke creations loaded with intricate details and each piece designed in response to set themes.

Our Dance Company performed their award-winning performances, a lyrical jazz piece titled ‘Bad’, a lyrical piece titled ‘Glimpses of Us’, and a self-choregraphed solo performance by Nicole Baird. These dances were performed earlier this year at both the Dance Life Unite Competition and Elite Eisteddfod Competition.

Our dancers, both Dance Company and General course students, performed pieces that were choregraphed responses to themes of love, heartbreak, humour and mystery. This action packed night saw a hard hitting, exhilarating hip hop piece finale where all our students celebrated together on stage.

Our Year 8 Fashion students undertook an exciting challenge of Paper Couture. Working in small groups, they explored techniques such as papier-mâché, collage, weaving, coiling, and draping, transforming paper into fabric-like creations.

Our Year 9 and 10 Fashion class embraced the opportunity to delve into issues of ‘injustice’, and ideas that ignited their passion. Stunning creations that addressed important topics were brought to life with their technical skills in their meticulously crafted garments. Each piece utilised embroidery, beading, stencilling, appliqué, and a variety of fabric manipulation techniques to emphasise their messages.

Our Student Council member and technical whizz-kid, Dashlen Beasley, did a fine job as the MC of the evening also.

The event was a testament of the hard work, resilience, creativity, and determination demonstrated by our students to bring their vision to life. Students should be incredibly proud of their dedication and energy they delivered at the all-day rehearsal and evening show. We are all extremely proud of your efforts, professionalism and performance.

These experiences are only possible with the input of many helping hands and the support of their families.

Finally, special thanks to the following people who make this event possible:

Staff: Coralie Heberley -  Elite Dance Coordinator and Teacher
Kristie Wintle – Specialist Fashion Program Coordinator and Teacher
Annemarie Verschoor – Head of The Arts
Jodie Grieves - Photography
Administration staff - Nicky Harris, Kerrie Ward, Jodie Taylor, Lorraine Carr, Patricia McDonald and Lorraine Simpson.
Sound and Light Technician: Liam Cunning
MC and all-round helpful guy - Dashlen Beasley

Annemarie Verschoor
Head of Learning Area - The Arts  

Year 7 AEP - Perth Zoo – Sunset Safari

On Friday, 13 September 2024, the Year 7 AEP Science students travelled to Perth Zoo for a Sunset Safari. After starting with an animal encounter, the students broke away into three groups to explore the zoo, identifying their favourite biomes and the animals within them. Students investigated animal adaptations and predators.

After a short break students analysed animal enrichment tools/activities used by the zookeepers, including Elephant Artworks and prepared an enrichment activity for the Cape Porcupine. Students were fully engaged in The Usual Suspects murder mystery game, studying a range of animal clues from a real-life event in an African national park. In our final activity, a night walk through the African Savannah, students dropped off their efforts to the Cape Porcupine, before a stop to the lion enclosure, where the male lion came to the glass and roared, making us all a little scared! A fantastic and memorable evening.  

Claire Green
Teacher – Humanities & Social Sciences and AEP Coordinator

Year 11 Incursion – Supporting Sick Children

On Thursday, 12 September 2024 the Year 11 ATAR Geography students participated in an incursion led by two representatives from Ronald McDonald House. As part of their studies into the impacts of McDonalds as a complex manufactured good, we learnt about the origins of RMH, the positive social impacts of RMH and the symbiotic relationship enabling families with sick children respite and support throughout the Perth regional area. A network of volunteers provide this amazing serviced facility to families who are experiencing the toughest of times. 

Claire Green
Teacher – Humanities & Social Sciences and AEP Coordinator

Year 12 ASPIRE Breakfast

On Wednesday, 18 September 2024, a former graduate of Belridge Secondary College, Sinead Du Toit, came to the ASPIRE Breakfast to talk about her journey from high school to university and now into the workforce. 

Sinead du Toit graduated from Belridge Secondary College in 2019. She completed her Bachelor in Exercise and Sport Science in 2022 through Notre Dame. Sinead is currently studying her Masters abroad as a student athlete and working as the Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach for the England's Women's U18 Rugby. 

We would like to sincerely thank Sinead for coming in and sharing her experience with us, as well as giving strategies and advice to our Year 12 ATAR students on how to maximise their success leading into exams.

Sinead, we are very proud of your achievements, and we wish you well in your future endeavours.

Louis Cheeseman
Deputy Principal - Years 10, 11 & 12

Lego League Challenge: Regionals

Belridge recently hosted the Beldon Regional Qualifier FIRST Lego League Challenge, a STEM competition where groups of students program a Lego robot to complete missions, as well as conducting a research task. This year’s theme, Submerged, focused on the underwater scene, with the missions relating to researching and exploring the ocean. From protecting coral reefs and exploring shipwrecks, to feeding krill to a whale, our two teams, Belridge Buoys and Grls have attended after school sessions over the past couple of months to build and code their robot to complete these missions. They were also tasked with a research project, thinking of a way to help those who research the ocean.

This all led to the competition day, of which Belridge Secondary College hosted for the first time.  Nine teams competed throughout the day, trying their best to score the highest they could. The winning team was Wizards n Lizards from Madeley Primary School. The Grls, displaying the ‘Core Values’ of teamwork, inclusiveness and having fun throughout the day won the Peer Award. The Coaches Award went to Ms Edmonds, chosen based on team nominations, acknowledging her commitment and efforts in supporting the teams throughout the season and helping to make this day possible. Unfortunately, our College teams did not make it to the next round, but we wish the two teams that did, Robosapiens and Wizards n Lizards all the best at next qualifier, to be held at Curtin University later this term.

Thank You!

To Mr Chen and Ms Edmonds, for organising, facilitating, and running this event and to all the volunteers from Curtin University, Deloitte and Matt Kersey who assisted with the robot game and judging throughout the day.  Mr O’Neil who emceed the event and kept the tunes going throughout the day.  Schools who joined us in this regional competition; Connolly Primary School, Aveley Secondary College, St Emilie’s Primary School, Madeley Primary School and Dandaragan Primary School.  Finally, the staff who assisted in the lead up to and on the day, as well as those who made room changes and accommodations for this fantastic event to take place.

Belridge SC Teams - 2024

BELRIDGE BUOYS

David Barr, Matt Kay, Ben Kay, Dexter Cooper, Luca Skuse

GRLS (because there is no 'I' in Team)

Ashleigh Leomaro, Keira Lohf, Emily Aspinall, Harper Charteris

Positive Incentive Program:
Perth Wildcats Coaching Clinic

A number of our keen basketball players from Belridge Secondary College were put through their paces on Wednesday, 30 October 2024 when they were visited by two players from the Perth Wildcats. Students made their way to the gym where Belridge Secondary College teacher Mr Brinkworth (a former State Basketball League player and coach) ensured they were warmed up and ready before Mr O’Neil arrived with the special guests.

Two of the Wildcats best players, Tai Webster and Dylan Windler, guided the students through some basketball drills and fun activities while one of our Belridge Beats students, Dashlen Beasley, kept the energy going with some background music. Toward the end of the session the visiting players spent time taking photos with the keen Wildcats fans.

Thank you to the players for giving up their time and to the Perth Wildcats for providing our students with such a fantastic opportunity.

Mr Steve O'Neil
Teacher - Business Education & Information Technology

The Wonderful World of Knowledge...

During the last week of Term 4, two HASS Year 9 classes had the opportunity to meet a teacher who has travelled to 171 out of 195 countries! Students learned some good travel tips, and were able to learn about the customs and practices in other countries from Mr Rob Freitag. The most important lesson learned was that people across the world are mostly kind and will assist travellers on their way.

 

Students left the presentation wanting to hear more as they heard so many interesting stories and experiences. We hope to bring Mr Freitag back again soon for the other Year 9 classes later in the year.

Virginia Linto
Head of Learning Area - Humanities & Social Sciences

Python & Pi 

The Year 10 Advanced Computing class have begun learning to program with the Python programming language using Raspberry Pi computers. So, in keeping with class tradition, the lesson was accompanied by Pythons and Raspberry Pies (sort of!).  Students earned the treats with the work they put in to learning one of the world’s most widely used computer programming languages.

Steve O'Neil
Teacher - Digital Technologies

Library News - Watch Dog is on the lookout!

Media Literacy Week was celebrated 21-25 October 2024.  By looking at the examples below students can develop a deeper understanding of how media literacy actually connects to their everyday lives. Explore the clever comics co-created with three of the best in the business, Kate, Jol and David, as a way of starting conversations and making links to the media students consume and are exposed to.

 

Sarah-Jane Lang

Library Officer

Year 11 Home Economics
Charity Cupcake Sale 

The eagerly anticipated annual Year 11 Food Science and Technology students’ cupcake fundraiser was held on Tuesday, 5 November 2024 on the library lawn. Cupcakes quickly sold out and raised the total sum of $286, which will be donated to the Australian Marine Conservation Society this year. 

Mrs Jayne Hill
Teacher - Home Economics

Year 11 Geography ATAR
Optus Stadium excursion

On Wednesday, 16 October 2024 the Year 11 ATAR Geographers travelled to the Optus Stadium to investigate the impacts of football, an element of culture. The students toured the stadium learning about the building and operation, visited the media centre and player changing rooms. We then met Hannah Galloway, landscape architect of the Stadium and Chevron Parklands, investigating the rehabilitation and development of the site from a former sewage treatment plant and rubbish tip to a place for general public to enjoy. Developed with input from the Whadjuk community, the parklands are inspired by the six Noongar seasons, featuring ten permanent 3D artworks by WA Noongar artists. The site was designed to be specific to the geographical concept of place, unique to this part of the world and our state’s stadium.

Mrs Claire Green
Teacher - Humanities and Social Sciences & AEP Coordinator