WELLBEING WEEK NEWSLETTER
In week 9 of this term, we celebrated our annual Wellbeing Week, a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a community and focus on our mental, physical and spiritual health, and wellbeing.
There was truly something on offer for everyone: gong therapy; cuddly animals; a fashion parade; exercise challenges; a stress management workshop; blender bike smoothies; free health checks; photo booth fun; self care and craft stations; Indigenous art activities; movies all week; and who could forget the mammoth amount of nutritious, delicious, free food!
We also welcomed back our yearly Services Expo, which featured 21 different organisations who showcased their programs and offered 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 and staff member who volunteered their time to help run activities, set up and clean up. We could have not done it without you!
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Welcome to our term two newsletter I hope that you enjoy reading about all that has been going on at Sevenoaks over the past few months. As always, our College community has been immersed in many activities and celebrations.
Our focus on Connecting and Belonging was evident through a vibrant Wellbeing Week and a meaningful ANZAC Assembly, bringing our community together in reflection and support.
Cultural understanding remained at the forefront with significant events including Reconciliation Week, National Sorry Day and NAIDOC Week, alongside a special visit from Follow the Dream ambassador, Jacob Collard. Our staff also shared in the celebration of Eid al-Adha with a community feast, highlighting the diversity that makes Sevenoaks so unique
Learning came alive in classrooms through hands-on experiences such as science dissections, creative maths design projects and practical hospitality activities. Student talent was also showcased at our Art Display during the Parent Afternoon, demonstrating creativity and pride in learning.
We strengthened community links through partnerships with Together for Humanity and WA Police-led morning teas supporting our Muslim and African students These initiatives continue to build trust, understanding and connection
We are well into transition processes for our Year 10 Cannington Community College students who have been engaged with learning about Sevenoaks and future pathways.
Our students excelled in sport, proudly representing the college in interschool soccer, badminton and volleyball We celebrate outstanding external achievements including Alex and Achnaff’s state soccer selection, Achnaff’s Junior Socceroos debut, Lebron’s success in the WAFL, and Shan’s dancing achievement
Excursions and incursions enriched learning across the College, including Sevenoaks Academy programs, Interview 2 Impress, Curtin UniReady campus tour and the English Conference. Classroom engagement was further supported through attendance in reward activities.
Finally, our Work Integrated Learning program provided valuable real-world insights, with highlights including workplace learning spotlights and visits from industry experts such as Dr Morrison, Komatsu Japan and Professor Simon Forrest.
Together, these experiences continue to empower our students to thrive, connect and succeed. For now, enjoy a well earned break and take care See you for Term 3 on Monday 20 July
Dr
Karen Read AM, Principal
NAIDOC WEEK
2026 THEME
In 2026, NAIDOC Week marks a powerful milestone: 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience. This year’s theme, “50 Years of Deadly”, marks a significant milestone, celebrating First Nations cultures, communities, and Blak excellence, honouring the Elders, organisers, artists, and advocates who have carried the NAIDOC movement forward over the last 50 years.
CELEBRATIONS AT SSC
What a truly incredible week it was celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through fun and meaningful activities.
We had damper making (and eating!), cupcakes and slushies using native ingredients, art, painting, braiding, jewellery making, a visual timeline display, all 50 NAIDOC posters on display, and of course our main event, our annual NAIDOC assembly, featuring an incredible sand mural
Our First Nations students made us so proud with their performances and speeches, demonstrating their leadership and commitment to their culture.
We were fortunate enough to welcome back Auntie Jacqui Eades for the Welcome to Country, Alumna Aaliyah Nestoridis as our keynote speaker, and a number of graduated students who supported the event through art, dance, didge playing and song. Special mention to our fabulous MCs, TillieEssa and Noah, and to our wonderful student performers. Thank you all!
Shout out to our award and scholarship sponsors and deserving recipients (listed on page 7). We are incredibly proud of you!
RECONCILIATION WEEK
Our Koolark and Student Services teams arranged a meaningful activity for students and staff in support of Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week.
The activity prompted us to consider these questions as a collective – how do you/your team influence your wider community’s reconciliation journey? What actions will you/your group commit to to be 'All In' for reconciliation?
By coming together to display their commitments, participants made a collective statement that reconciliation requires all of us These statements formed a shared art installation, which was proudly on display in our Courtyard area.
Special shout out to Mr Hosany, who created an additional display in the window of the Science Lab with his Advocate group.
SPORTS NEWS
INTERSCHOOL SOCCER
INTERSCHOOL VOLLEYBALL
Sevenoaks proudly entered four teams in the SSWA Interschool Volleyball Tournament at Warwick Stadium, with our First Boys and First Girls teams competing in B Division and our Second Boys and Second Girls teams competing in C Division.
Our teams prepared with training sessions led by Sevenoaks coaches James and Blake. It was fantastic to welcome back Sevenoaks alum and outstanding coach Khalil Bouchard, who worked closely with our girls teams We were also fortunate to have Coach Ryan return on tournament day to guide and support our players. The early morning training sessions were challenging for some students, and we sincerely thank those who attended consistently and demonstrated a strong commitment to their development.
The tournament was a tremendous success for Sevenoaks, with outstanding results: Boys 1 – Runners Up, Boys 2 – Champions, Girls 1 – Champions, Girls 2 – Champions.
As always, our students represented the college exceptionally well. Their sportsmanship, teamwork and encouragement of one another throughout the day were a credit to Sevenoaks. We now look forward to preparing for the VWA Tournament in Term 3.
INTERSCHOOL BADMINTON
ANZAC SERVICE
Early this term, we held a special ANZAC Service whole school assembly. We were privileged to be joined by Mr Brian Dodds, who performed a spine-tingling rendition of 'The Last Post' and 'Reveille' on the bugle. Brian is a member of the Australian Army Band Corps Association, having served part-time as a soldier/musician, Drum Major and Bandmaster in WA He is also a member of the City of Perth Brass Band and a founding member of the first school band in WA. What an honour it was to have him at our service.
Mr Ron Sao MLA, Member for Cannington, and Assoc Prof Jan Gray from our College Board, took time out of their busy schedules to join us for this important occasion
Well done to our MC and College Captain, Amelia, and to our student speakers and wreath bearers, who spoke beautifully and were incredibly professional. Lest We Forget.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
ACHNAFF SAYON & ALEX GHEBRU - STATE SOCCER TEAM
ACHNAFF SAYON - AUSTRALIAN SOCCER DEBUT
LEBRON YARRAN - WAFL
SHAN ZHOU - BALLROOM DANCING CHAMPION
FOLLOW THE DREAM (FTD)
BUNDARA WEST - JACOB COLLARD VISIT
Sevenoaks’ First Nations students welcomed Jacob Collard, a proud Noongar man, to the College where he shared his diverse career journey and insights. Jacob spoke about his strong sporting background, including his experience playing professional soccer for Perth Glory, and how it helped shape his discipline, resilience, and commitment, qualities that continue to support him in his professional life. He also discussed his roles within the Police and the Department of Corrective Services, providing students with a valuable perspective on the demands and rewards of working in these fields.
Jacob further introduced his new venture into the corporate world, working with Bundara West, where he is focused on creating pathways and opportunities for Aboriginal people. Students were engaged throughout the session and shared their own aspirations for the future
The conversation extended to opportunities available through Bundara West, including work readiness courses designed to build confidence, skills, and employment pathways. Multiple students expressed interest and identified them as valuable opportunities to support their post-school pathways.
NAIDOC AWARDS AND BG&E SCHOLARSHIPS
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!
BG&E STEM Scholarship (Year 12) - Ella Colbung
BG&E STEM Scholarship (Year 11) - Noah McMeikan-Roads
Sportsperson of the Year - Lebron Yarran
Koolark Achievement Award - Tillie-Essa Prestwidge
Sevenoaks Academy Endeavour Award - Liam Westberg
MIA WHELAN - DSG ART EXHIBITIONIST
The Deadly Sista Girlz NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition provides students with an exciting opportunity to showcase their creativity, culture and storytelling through art This year, Sevenoaks Senior College student Mia Whelan entered the exhibition with her artwork, ‘Our Beautiful Connections’.
The exhibition celebrates the talents of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, with selected artworks displayed during NAIDOC Week and participants having the opportunity to be recognised with exhibition prizes
Congratulations on your selection, Mia! We are so proud to see you representing both the Deadly Sista Girlz program and the Sevenoaks community.
OUT AND ABOUT
WA POLICE MORNING TEAS
African Community
Select Guild members had the privilege to attend a Morning Tea at Ascot Racecourse hosted by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Col Blanch APM, for African Community Leaders and staff of the Western Australia Police Force.
The event included opening and closing prayers, music presentations and inspiring speeches. Keynote speaker, Ms Bellamore Ndayikeze, talked about her upbringing in a time of war while also experiencing domestic violence She shared her journey to Australia as well as her struggles and achievements. Her talk was extremely emotional and inspirational, a real highlight for everyone in attendance. The Commissioner then addressed youth and leaders in the room, encouraging them to step forward and emphasised that leadership starts in the home.
Muslim Community
Student Guild and Harmony Across Borders students along with teacher, Mr Parkar, joined attendees from several other schools for a valuable community engagement event hosted by the Western Australia Police Force for the Muslim Community this term. The event brought together students, educators, and community members to promote understanding, respect, and connection.
The program began with a powerful Welcome to Country by Sevenoaks Alumni, Aaliyah Nestoridis. A recitation from the Holy Qur’an then provided a reflective opening to the event.
Throughout the morning, attendees heard from a range of speakers who shared important insights on community cohesion, policing, and collaboration The session also included a personal reflection from a Muslim WA Police officer, offering a meaningful perspective on building trust within diverse communities.
It is a privilege to be invited to attend these events and we are grateful for our continuing partnership with WA Police.
INTERVIEW 2 IMPRESS - CHEVRON
This term, our Careers Advisor, Ms Walsh, took 13 of our Year 11 students to Chevron Perth for the Interview 2 Impress excursion Students were pretty impressed with the location for the day, which was on the 28 floor of the Chevron building in Perth’s CBD. th
Students said the most useful thing they learnt was, “how to build confidence in a professional environment” and “how to practice/prepare for interviews and the importance of a good first impression.”
Students said they thought the program was worthwhile because they “learnt a lot of new skills used for an interview as well as very good feedback from mentors,” “built confidence in interacting with others as well as learning about interviews,” and “learnt how to be mentally confident in job interviews in the future.”
CURTIN UNIREADY CAMPUS TOUR
This week, our Curtin UniReady students attended an excursion to Curtin University, giving them the chance to experience a real university environment and gain a clearer picture of where their studies can lead
Students explored the campus, learned more about university pathways, and had the opportunity to see themselves as future tertiary students.
It was a valuable and motivating experience, helping to build confidence, ambition, and a stronger connection between their current learning and future opportunities
ATAR ENGLISH AND LITERATURE CONFERENCE
Year 12 ATAR English students attended the annual English and Literature Conference held at Curtin University this term Throughout the day, students participated in lectures aligned with the ATAR English curriculum and designed to support preparation for the upcoming WACE examinations. These sessions offered valuable strategies and practical advice from experienced presenters.
Beyond the classroom, students also enjoyed experiencing life on a university campus - navigating lecture venues, engaging in a large-scale academic event, and getting a taste of what their own future study journeys might look like after graduation.
GOOD STANDING REWARD ACTIVITIES
Early this term, we hosted our first Reward Excursion for the year at Strike Bowling in Carousel. Over 80 fabulous students and staff enjoyed an afternoon of ten pin bowling, karaoke, pool, laser tag and mini golf.
It was lots of fun and a lovely way to celebrate the students who have maintained their Good Standing status for the term. We also got to see some very special talents emerge, especially in the karaoke rooms!
Shout out to Mrs Lynch, Mr Cook, Mrs Abdus, Ms Ivison, the Student Services Team and Staff volunteers for making this event possible
The next attendance reward for our Year 12s to work towards is the College Ball, and for Year 11s it’s the River Cruise! Keep displaying our CARE values every day and you’ll be invited to more cool events like this one!
WORK PLACEMENT AT CASTLEDARE VILLAGE
Year 11 student, Kelzang, has been completing an aged care placement at Castledare Village this term. During his coordinator visit, Ms Eakins observed him participating in activities with residents, including a man who was 100-years-old! Kelzang interacted exceptionally well with all residents and participated in a number of arts and crafts activities, displaying patience, respect, and genuine interest in their wellbeing, paying particular care to those whom have dementia. Well done!
IN THE CLASSROOM
HEART DISSECTIONS IN ATAR HUMAN BIOLOGY
Our Year 11 ATAR Human Biology students have been busy learning about the body’s circulatory system, including our heart’s structure and function.
On Tuesday and Wednesday of week 4, students got their hands dirty with a heart dissection, which many found both gross and engaging
The students enthusiastically participated in the dissection, with many having “light-bulb” moments as they were able to visualise the flow of blood through the heart once they had cut one open and saw the chambers and valves inside. Some were brave even enough to stick their fingers through the blood vessels!
We were able to source lamb hearts for our Muslim students to use instead of pig hearts, ensuring cultural sensitivity and responsiveness.
LIGHTNING MCQUEEN LOOK OUT!
How do you investigate Newton’s second law (Force = mass x acceleration)? With remote controlled cars of course!
Year 11 Science in Practice students tested the time it took a remote controlled car to drive 10m on its own, and then with weights added. It may have been an assessment, but there was lots of fun to be had. Let's just say some of those cars had a mind of their own!
MAMMA MIA! HOME MADE PASTA IN HOSPITALITY
Hospitality students demonstrated strong practical skills while preparing chicken carbonara with fresh pasta, showing confidence and attention to detail throughout the process
They carefully mixed and kneaded the dough, rolled it evenly, and cut it into uniform strands, ensuring a consistent texture once cooked. While preparing the sauce, the students cooked the chicken thoroughly and combined it with eggs, cheese, and pasta water to create a smooth, creamy coating without scrambling the eggs.
They maintained good hygiene and organisation in their workspace and showed an understanding of timing by coordinating the pasta cooking with the sauce preparation. The final dish was well-presented, with balanced flavours and a silky texture, reflecting the student’s developing cooking skills and knowledge. Well done chefs!
GETTING CREATIVE IN MATHS METHODS
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.
What a fun and creative way to demonstrate maths skills! Thanks Mr Young!
RATS!
To consolidate this semester's content, Year 11 ATAR Human Biology students completed a rat dissection late this term.
Students put on brave faces and had a go, and were able to identify multiple organs, linking them to the many systems they have learnt.
GENERAL HUMAN BIOLOGY HEART-BREAKERS
The Year 11 General Human Biology students have been learning about the circulatory system.
Our aspiring nurses and anatomists used the dissection instruments to carefully reveal the structures within sheep hearts The sheep heart is very similar to a human heart. Students identified the atria, ventricles, valves and cords within the heart.
This lesson built on the health checks our students practised with school nurse, Kerri. Students successfully measured heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure and blood oxygenation using laboratory equipment like stethoscopes, pulse oximeters, sphygmomanometers and infrared thermometers.
These lessons have applied the theory learned in class to real-life applications.
EMERITUS PROFESSOR SIMON FORREST VISIT
Our Year 12 Aboriginal and Intercultural Studies class were very excited to have Uncle Simon Forrest from Curtin University come and talk to us about the importance of cultural burning as a key part of Caring for Boodja/Country
Uncle Simon talked about an important cultural burn he was involved with at Hill View Bushland in Victoria Park last year, and how reviving the practice of cultural burning in urban bushland areas is helping to heal Boodja (Country), as well as heal Whadjuk Noongar People themselves. This activity contributes towards reconciliation as people come together to learn from each other and pay respect to these important cultural practices.
Uncle Simon has spent decades teaching and leading in First Nations education, history and cultural knowledge, and he’s WA’s longest serving Aboriginal academic. His work in schools, universities and government has shaped how Aboriginal perspectives are understood and respected across the state
We were privlidged to have Uncle Simon here with us and hope to have him back again soon.
INCURSIONS
TOGETHER FOR HUMANITY QUIZ SHOW
We were proud to host Together For Humanity representatives from Sydney for their 'Overcoming Stereotypes Quiz Show Panel' this term
It was an engaging and thought-provoking session featuring five culturally and religiously diverse presenters. Representing a rich range of backgrounds: First Nations, Islamic, Jewish, Palestinian, and Christian perspectives, the presenters brought unique voices and personal stories which deeply resonated with students.
Through interactive activities, open discussions, and dynamic storytelling, students were encouraged to reflect on the impact of negative stereotyping, racism, prejudice, and bullying.
The session created a safe and inclusive space where students could ask questions, challenge misconceptions, and broaden their understanding of different cultures and beliefs
We also featured on their recent Australia wide newsletter following the visit, how cool!
What an incredible experience for the students and staff in attendance! Special thanks to Ms Clifton and Mr Parkar for helping to facilitate this opportunity for our students
PRIDE MONTH POP UP
The Student Services team facilitated a wonderful Pride event for our school community to celebrate Pride Month this term. Students and staff were encouraged to write messages of support on a big poster, show their pride through the wearing of temporary tattoos and stickers, and of course indulge in the variety of rainbow-coloured snacks!
Visibility is incredibly important for the LGBTQIA+ community and we are excited to be bringing back Q-mmunity, our student led committee, next term!
EID AL-ADHA FEAST
Staff were treated to an incredible feast to celebrate Eid Al-Adha this term. A huge thank you to Mrs Abdus, Mr Parkar,Ms Williams, Ms Waly, Hamkha, Nani and Kimi for treating us to an array of incredible and delicious dishes.
Muslims celebrate this important event with morning prayers, festive gatherings, and charitable acts - particularly sharing meat with those in need. These traditions beautifully embody the spirit of community and generosity.
It was wonderful to come together to learn more about the traditions of Eid al-Adha and embrace the rich cultural diversity of our College community
DR MORRISON - POLYMERS, 3D PRINTING AND INNOVATION IN HEALTHCARE
Sevenoaks Senior College was privileged to welcome Dr David Morrison as part of the 2026 Bayliss Youth Lecture, presenting on the topic “Polymers, 3D Printing and Innovation in Healthcare.”
The presentation was an eye-opening experience for students, as Dr Morrison shared how chemistry, polymers, engineering and innovation are being used in real-life healthcare applications
Dr Morrison spoke about Western Australia’s proud history in medical innovation and technology. He explained how polymers have played an important role in healthcare, including the development of medical devices, artificial corneas, patient-specific 3D-printed models and devices, and even the manufacturing of emergency personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic
One of the most engaging parts of the presentation was learning about the work carried out by Dr Morrison and his team at Royal Perth Hospital. Students were able to see how scientific knowledge is applied beyond the classroom to solve real-world medical problems. The examples shared helped students understand the importance of chemistry in improving patient care and supporting doctors in complex medical procedures
The lecture also encouraged students to think deeply about future careers in science, medicine, engineering and technology. Many students asked thoughtful questions related to health, medical innovation and the use of polymers in the human body. Their curiosity showed how much they were inspired by the presentation and how valuable it was in connecting classroom learning with real-life applications
Overall, the visit by Dr Morrison was a highly valuable and memorable learning experience for Sevenoaks students. The presentation broadened students’ understanding of how chemistry and engineering can contribute to healthcare innovation and showed them that science has the power to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
We sincerely thank Dr Morrison for taking the time to visit Sevenoaks Senior College and for sharing his knowledge, experience and inspiring work with our students.
KOMATSU JAPAN
This term we had a very special visit from Board and TEC Consortium member, Mr Grant Morgan, and his colleagues at Komatsu, Noriko Yoshioka (Sustainability Promotion Division) and Akitoshi Watanabe (General Manager Sustainability), who were visiting Australia from their head office in Tokyo, Japan. They took a tour of the school’s Trade Training Centre and STEM Centre, and chatted with metals and engineering students about their ongoing projects and plans for the future. Sevenoaks was described as ‘the blueprint’ for successful TEC Consortium implementation and schoolbusiness partnerships
BIG PICTURE ACADEMY
AVIATION HERITAGE MUSEUM
It is fitting that in the week we paid our respects to our fallen military heroes for ANZAC Day, Sevenoaks Academy were lucky enough to have a personalised guided tour of the Aviation Heritage Museum of Western Australia in Bullcreek.
The museum is owned and operated by the Western Australian Division of the Royal Australian Air Force Association (RAAFA), and houses some impressive examples of military and civilian aircraft from WWI, WWII, Vietnam, the Gulf Wars, and from historic periods of aviation heroism
The Museum's army of volunteers conserve, design, donate and build an amazing array of displays that include 30 aircraft, some of which you can actually get on board.
We were lucky to get up close to a Lancaster Bomber and a Catalina Flying boat, and we sat in the parachute hold of a Dakota military transport plane used to drop Australian servicemen behind enemy lines
There are thousands of artefacts lovingly restored by volunteers who are happy to stop and answer all your questions. This is a unique museum that you can spend hours wandering around. Students and staff agree it's well worth a visit!
OUR MISSION TO MARS!
Djinda-k-weyan - Reach for the Stars! And that is exactly what the Sevenoaks Academy students did at the West Australian Space Science Education Centre (WASSEC), where we suited up and went on our 'Mission to Mars' this term!
We worked in teams using our problem solving skills to successfully complete a simulated geological survey of the martian surface Our students executed their research assignments adeptly, expertly guided by their peers in the mission control room. It was imperative that everyone communicated instructions clearly and succinctly, so that those on the surface of Mars could collect the data they needed for lab work later on in the day.
The whole experience was immersive and very realistic; we had access to some cutting edge technology during the control room simulation (it felt like NASA, Houston control!) but luckily our mission was successful and we came away with an increased awareness of STEM opportunities. Students were inspired by the experience to investigate career pathways in this exciting area of science.
TRANSIT OFFICER GUEST SPEAKER
Sevenoaks Academy students took part in an engaging and interactive session with Transit Supervisor, Kane Marshall, a longtime partner of the school known for his relatable and impactful presentations.
The session explored students’ experiences on public transport, common challenges, and the role and powers of Transit Officers. A lively Q&A gave students the chance to ask anything, followed by practical role-play scenarios tackling real-life situations such as unsafe behaviour, conflict, and staying safe when feeling threatened.
Students were highly engaged and walked away with valuable, real-world skills The impact was immediate, with Michelle K applying the advice the very next evening when assisting during a medical emergency on a train following a Fremantle Dockers game.
OPTUS STADIUM TOUR
Sevenoaks Academy students participated in an exciting behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium, gaining access to areas usually reserved for elite athletes and major events
During the guided experience, students explored the Fremantle Dockers, West Coast Eagles and Perth Scorchers changerooms, and stepped inside the Dennis Cometti Media Centre for an interactive session. They also had the opportunity to sit on the interchange benches and view the preparation areas used by professional players on game day.
The tour included visits to the impressive Victory Lounge and Coaches’ Room, which offered some of the best views of the field of play. On the day, students were also fortunate to watch the Fremantle Dockers team train in preparation for their game, adding an exciting real-world highlight to the experience. This excursion provided a unique opportunity for students to discover the inner workings of a world-class sporting venue.
WA STUDENT ASSISTANCE PAYMENT IS BACK!
The WA Student Assistance Payment is back, and you will soon be able to claim $250 per student to help towards school-related expenses. To apply, you’ll need to provide a valid WA Student Number (WASN). You can find that number on your child’s SmartRider, school report, or NAPLAN results
You can submit your claim via: the ServiceWA app by logging in with your Digital Identity, an online form, or a postal form.
Claims are open from Monday 20 July and will close on Friday 25 September 2026. Check our website for more information.
