‘Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough’ – Melody Beattie
As we enter the final week for this term, I would like to extend my personal thanks to all staff and the college community for their contribution to making the first term of 2023 vibrant, engaging, and conducive to effective learning for our students.
Our College theme for 2023 is ‘Growing with Gratitude’. We have certainly been grateful for a year that has commenced without any required restrictions due to covid. Our younger students have finally had the opportunity to experience a ‘normal’ start to a school year. I am sure we are all thankful for a term that has allowed for uninterrupted learning and a general sense of wellbeing. I have enjoyed seeing Primary students visit me at the Principal’s office over the term, to show me some of their wonderful work efforts.
Our Year 1 to 6 students enjoyed their Swimming Lessons over the first eight days of term. I was able to attend across a few of the days and assisting staff at the pools. Students enthusiastically participated and enjoyed the challenge of improving their swimming techniques and skills. The Year 4 to 6 and Secondary House Swimming Carnivals followed, with ‘Widi’, our yellow, penguin house winning both carnivals due to numbers of participants involved and of course some great swimming representatives. We also saw our Secondary Students represent the College so well at the ACC Division H Interschool Swimming Carnival, at HBF Stadium in Mount Claremont on the 15th of March. A huge congratulations to our Junior Girls, Junior Boys, and Senior Girls who went to win their respective shields for the day, whilst also winning the champion secondary school shield for 2023. Our Primary Students are looking at defending last year’s CPPSA Interschool Swimming win at the Aqua Jetty on Friday the 31st of March. I would echo Charlotte Beard’s (Yr 12) comment when accepting the ACC Champion School Shield, ‘Go South Coast!’
On the 15th of March I also had the opportunity of attending the annual Kwinana Industry Council’s Art Awards for 2023. Out of over 100 entrants in six divisions our students achieved three first places, Kiah Saddler (Visual Art 2D), Evie Garnham (Digital Media) and Lilly Wilson (Design and Technology), two second places, Sienna De Kock (Digital Media) and Molly Skuse (Woodwork & Metalwork) and a highly commendation for Paige Cover (Fabric, Fashion & Accessories. Thankyou to the staff and parents who attended and supported these students.
On Wednesday the 22nd the entire college community celebrated Harmony Day which recognises our cultural diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. The day focussed on inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone. We try to embed our values of Love, Hope, Wisdom, and Grit across College community life, including special events like Harmony Day.
The past two weeks have seen students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 complete annual NAPLAN testing. This annual, on-line testing was moved from May to March by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. Well done to all students in the participating year groups for their efforts, particularly our Year 3 students, who are tackling the testing for the first time. It is anticipated that results from testing should be available for parents and guardians, once received from the testing authority, early in Term 3.
On Monday the 3rd of April we celebrate the Completion of building 2A, our Gymnastics Centre, which is the first of the three planned stages of our ‘Multipurpose Sports Centre’. Guests at the official opening include the Honourable Madeleine King, MP, College Board Members, the project Architect, representatives from Gymnastics WA, key builders, past and present staff, gymnastic coaches, and student gymnasts. The pictures below are of the interior of the first stage of this new build. It’s great to have a purpose-built Gymnastics Centre, which is the best facility south of Perth located on our campus.
For families that would like to access our Childcare Centre’s holiday program over the upcoming break, limited places are currently available. Please contact the Childcare Office via email childcare@scbc.wa.edu.au or via phone 08 9540 4444, should you wish to book a place.
I wish all students and families well as we move into the autumn holiday period. The upcoming Easter holidays and ANZAC Day at the commencement of Term 2, are times we can enjoy time with family and friends and recognise the sacrifice and service of others. Easter is a time where we have an opportunity to look beyond the chocolate eggs and the hot cross buns, to God’s love for each person in our community. I trust that you will have an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of Easter, over the time with family that lies ahead.
We look forward to all students re-joining us for Term 2 on Wednesday the 26th of April.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Anthony Moses
Acting Principal
Welcome Mrs Dawn Clements
The College would like to welcome Mrs Dawn Clements as our new College Principal at the commencement of next term.
Mrs Clements has impressive experience in educational leadership, most recently as the Principal of St Andrew’s Grammar, prior to which she was Principal of Presbyterian Ladies’ College Melbourne (PLC). Before moving to Melbourne, Mrs Clements was the Principal of Lake Joondalup Baptist College in Perth where she served for seven years. She has also worked in senior leadership roles in other large Colleges in Perth such as St Stephen’s School and All Saints’ College where she also served for seven years respectively, in each school. Her extensive experience in leadership, strategic vision, master capital works and financial planning, school improvement, and her experience in leading Curriculum and Learning in previous Deputy and Academic Dean roles, together with her people centred perspective, will no doubt steer our College into its exciting next chapter.
Mrs Clements completed a Master of Educational Management/Leadership, with high distinction from the University of Western Australia. Her thesis focused on achievement cultures in schools. She also holds a Diploma of Education and a Bachelor of Arts with a Double Major in English Literature and History, all from the University of Western Australia. She is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and has been a past member of the Education and Training Committee at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Western Australia. Mrs Clements has also had experience working in the Not-for-Profit sector when she was asked to be an Executive Consultant for education and staff development, for a Federal award winning NFP women’s rehabilitation Organisation in Perth.
Mrs Clements is student focused and believes in the importance of strategizing with future focus for what is best for all individual students. Her warm personality and caring leadership style nurture the wellbeing of her staff and students to ensure good outcomes. She believes in quality teaching and professional development that benefit staff capacity and enhance student learning competencies. She values teamwork, community, school as a place of belonging and her genuine Christian faith navigates her commitment towards excellence. She believes passionately in providing young people with the opportunities to reach their potential and make a positive contribution as they develop the knowledge and skills to be people of good character and good influence.