Issue 2 - 2026

This recognition is based on official MySchool data, which evaluates academic performance, student attendance, student–teacher ratios, and socio educational advantage. Schools with average fees under $10,000 were assessed using Years 7 and 9 NAPLAN results, attendance data, demographics, and staffing ratios.

This achievement is particularly special as we celebrate 20 years of learning, growth, and community at SVACS. It reflects the outstanding commitment of our staff, who continue to create an inspiring and responsive teaching and learning environment for our students.

The video has now been published : “A whole-school model built on belonging”. You might like to take a look!

In this interview, Principal Melissa Powell and Celena Mecham of Swan Valley Anglican Community School reveal how their learner profile, professional learning culture and celebration of diversity underpin the school’s vision to be inclusive, aspirational and future-ready. Their leadership shows how innovation can thrive through clarity, collaboration and shared purpose.

Keralee Radi joins Swan Valley with a decade of leadership experience in wellbeing and inclusion across independent Anglican schools. Holding a Master of Education (Student Wellbeing) and a Graduate Certificate in Positive Education from the University of Melbourne, Keralee is dedicated to building evidence‑based systems that empower students to thrive.

“I’m excited to join a community that places student wellbeing at the heart of everything it does,” Keralee said. “I look forward to strengthening a culture where every student feels connected, supported, and confident to use their voice.”

Joining her is Dean Shadgett, an experienced educator with extensive leadership experience across several of Perth’s leading independent schools. Dean holds degrees in Arts and Education from Edith Cowan University and a Master of Education in Management, Leadership and Administration from The University of Western Australia. His expertise spans operations, curriculum design, educational technology, and strategic planning.

“I’m thrilled to be part of such a vibrant and forward‑thinking school community,” Dean shared. “My focus will be on ensuring strong operational foundations so staff and students can continue to thrive.”

Together, Keralee and Dean bring warmth, professionalism, and a shared dedication to enhancing the holistic educational experience at Swan Valley Anglican Community School. Their leadership will play a significant role in strengthening the school’s vision for engaged, connected, and flourishing learners.

Our Head of Technologies, Mr Carl Scarfone, made our purple COMMITMENT letters in our school workshop in record time. These letters will be used throughout the year to help us all to remember to: Set goals (make a plan); Work steadily towards achieving them (stick with it!); and Be proud of our success. 

Some of our Year 12 2025 Alumni were the first to be photographed with our new COMMITMENT letters when they returned to campus for our annual WACE Achievement Assembly.

Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent and the upcoming 40 days before Easter. It is important to observe this key day in the Anglican and worldwide Christian calendar, in keeping with our school’s Anglican identity.

We began by acknowledging our 2026 School Prefect Body, congratulating these students on their leadership roles and the important responsibilities they will carry throughout the year. We also proudly introduced the 2026 Student Representative Council (SRC). This group represents students from Pre‑Kindy through to Year 12, giving them a strong and active voice in shaping school life. The SRC meets twice each term, and I look forward to seeing the creative, thoughtful and constructive ideas they will bring forward as we continue to grow and improve as a school. Finally, we celebrated our Year 12 students for 2026, who were presented with their Year 12 badge and tie, as well as their long‑anticipated Leavers Jacket—a milestone moment they have been eagerly awaiting. I look forward to watching our Prefects, Student Representative Council, and Year 12 students lead our school with integrity, enthusiasm, and courage this year.

Our Campus Map has been updated to include our recent developments, including The Collaboration and Creativity Centre.

Congratulations to Rebecca Aspden (Year 10) on her exceptional recent accomplishments in acrobatics. Rebecca’s trio has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Junior WA Acrobat of the Year, capping off an incredible season in which they were crowned Level 7 State Champions. They also proudly represented Western Australia at the National Championships on the Gold Coast, showcasing their skill, teamwork, and dedication. This is a remarkable achievement, and we are incredibly proud of Rebecca’s hard work and commitment!\

ALL-ROUNDER SCHOLARSHIPS

• Doug Swingler All-Rounder Scholarship (Years 7-12)
• Jaye Radisich Memorial All-Rounder Scholarship (Year 7-12)

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

• Dawn Lindsay Exceptional Ability (Academic) Scholarships (Years 5-12)
• SVACS Academic Scholarships (Year 7)
• SVACS Academic Scholarships (Year 11)

ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

• Ian MacGregor Exceptional Ability (Co-curricular) Scholarships (Years 5-12)
• Endeavour Scholarships (Year 7)
• Endeavour Scholarships (Year 11)
• Diversity Scholarships (Years 7-12)
• Ian MacGregor Exceptional Ability (Co-curricular) Scholarships (Years 5–12)
• Endeavour Scholarships (Year 7)
• Endeavour Scholarships (Year 11)

• Diversity Scholarships (Years 7–12)
  Categories include:
  – Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students
  – Students from a refugee family
  – Students from a non-English speaking background
  – Students with a disability

All scholarship applicants are required to sit a scholarship test.

For further details, please see our website: https://www.svacs.wa.edu.au/enrolments/scholarships/ or contact our Registrar, Mrs Merri Corr, on (08) 9297 9506 or email enrolments@svacs.wa.edu.au

Applications close on Wednesday 22 April 2026 at 4.00pm.

Interviews for future applications generally occur around 18 months prior to the year of entry. Please be aware that some year groups are already full or close to capacity.

If you have not yet submitted an application for a future student, we encourage you to contact our Registrar, Mrs Merri Corr, on 9297 9506 or via email at enrolments@svacs.wa.edu.au .

If your child will be leaving SVACS, we would be grateful if you could notify us as early as possible. Timely communication helps us plan effectively, including offering positions to families on our waitlist.

Withdrawal Policy Reminder

• One full term’s notice in writing is required for all student withdrawals.
• This equates to at least 10 school weeks’ notice (school weeks refer to term time only, not holidays).
• Withdrawal notices should be addressed to the Principal, Ms Melissa Powell, and emailed to enrolments@svacs.wa.edu.au .

Thank you for your support and cooperation.

Designed to streamline communication between the School and Parents/Carers, the app includes features such as push notifications, so you’ll never miss important news or upcoming events. To get started, please refer to the User Guide Instructions for step-by-step details on how to download and set up the app on your phone. We look forward to keeping you informed and connected through this new platform.

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/swan-valley/id6738373306

Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.edu.wa.svacs.schoolapp

Carpe diem! Seize the day!

Melissa Powell

Principal

Lent is a time of: fasting, to increase self-control and remember those in need; prayer, to seek God’s will and the strength to resist temptation; generosity (acts of service and compassion) to serve others in humility following the pattern of Jesus.

In school, Ash Wednesday is a celebration of repentance and forgiveness, and committing ourselves to reach spiritual goals. For Christians it is a commitment to follow Christ more closely. It appeals to many students of faith or of none, who respond to the invitation to come forward to receive a blessing, or the blessed ashes on their forehead or hand.

Through our Social and Emotional Learning programs in the classroom, our students learn essential skills for building friendships, self-regulation, problem-solving, and seeking help when needed. Many school activities throughout the year give students the opportunity to apply the social and emotional skills they learn to practical situations.

Recently, we hosted a Friendship and Bullying workshop, presented by Di Wilcox, founder of The Magic Coat Foundation. During the workshop, Di Wilcox guided parents and children through a series of activities that provided practical tips for building successful friendships and navigating tricky situations. It was wonderful to see parents and children working alongside each other during the workshop.

Recently, the four Primary Leaders for 2026 were inducted alongside the School Prefects. At the ceremony, they proudly pledged to demonstrate commitment and respect and uphold the traditions and values of this school.

On Tuesday 10 March at 2.15pm, there will be a Junior Years Leadership Assembly in the Chapel to induct our Year 6 Primary Leadership Team and Class Representatives. This will be a special occasion for our students.

Pre-Kindergarten children a hands-on colour mixing experience where they used their hands to explore and combine different paints directly on the table. With no brushes and no set outcome, the focus was on exploration, creativity and discovery. At this age, sensory play is essential for development — using their hands helps strengthen fine motor skills and coordination, while experimenting with colour builds early scientific thinking as children observe changes and explore cause and effect. Getting messy is an important part of learning, supporting brain development, confidence and independence. It was wonderful to see the children so engaged, curious and excited as they watched new colours appear right before their eyes.

Thank you to everyone for your support and partnership.

Mrs Shirley Steel
Head of Primary School

We continue to focus on wearing the correct school uniform, and it has been wonderful to see more students showing pride in how they dress. Thank you to all parents and carers for supporting this important expectation throughout the year.

Our Year 12 students recently received their new Leavers’ jackets. These beautifully student designed jackets feature school colours and floral artwork connected to each House. Even on a very warm day in the Valley, many students proudly wore their jackets. While we hope everyone enjoys wearing them, please remember that blazers are still required at all formal events, including Chapel.

Students competed with determination and enthusiasm, and it was wonderful to see such strong participation across all events. The level of sportsmanship displayed—both in and out of the pool—was outstanding and a credit to our students. There were many impressive performances throughout the day. Congratulations to all swimmers, particularly those who achieved a personal best, demonstrating commitment, perseverance and growth. A special mention also goes to our Champion Swimmers, whose exceptional results were truly inspiring.

Thank you to our staff and student helpers who ensured the carnival ran smoothly, and to all students and spectators whose encouragement added to the positive atmosphere. It was a day filled with energy, team spirit and celebration.

It was a special evening filled with elegance, friendship, and fun. Students shared a three‑course meal, took many photos, and danced the night away. After a busy start to the year, this was a wonderful chance for the group to relax and celebrate their final year of schooling together.
A warm thank you to Mrs Orecic for her excellent planning and organisation, which helped make the event such a success.

Next Monday, Mr Christian Devellerez, Head of Year 7, will speak about the plans for the year, including details about the Year 7 Camp. Heads and Deputy Heads of Secondary will also be there to meet families.

Save the Dates

After a presentation from Anglicare on the support services they provide across WA, our attention focused on homelessness and in particular homeless Youth in WA.

The Ambassador Program works to support “Street Connect” a youth outreach service that provides support, advocacy and referrals to young people who are street present or at risk of homelessness. Their low barrier service works with young people aged 15-25 and is delivered by a dedicated team of Youth Workers who provide outreach and individual support where a young person is at risk via the Street Connect bus. Their existence is partially (but significantly) funded by the work of Ambassadors across Anglican Schools.

Students then participated in a session from “Thread Together” an ethical clothing organisation. Every year, millions of brand-new clothing items go to waste, while at the same time, thousands of Australians experience hardship without access to essential clothing. A third of new clothing goes from factory to landfill, while one in eight adults and one in six children in Australia are in need. Thread Together was founded in 2012 to bridge this gap—delivering dignity and hope, one outfit at a time. Their philosophy and actions are based on the simple idea to donate rather than dispose of unsold clothing.

In the coming weeks we will be holding our first Bake Sale; now famous for the wide range of treats our Ambassadors bake and donate to this very worthy cause. The Anglicare team will work throughout 2026 with food drives, bake sales and other activities committed to supporting those in our community most in need.

Topics and situations across the world are constantly evolving and appearing in the media, whether that is the situation in Iran, Israel and Gaza, or Russia and Ukraine. These topics can be distressing for young people, and it is important to remember that our students can sometimes come across this whilst they are on social media, or even on general websites that talk about trending news or media. The E-Safety Commission have put out a fact sheet below about how to respond to this, namely through reporting (of harmful images or media) and by being aware of its impact on children and young people. They also have some resources about talking with young people about the content they see.

For more information:

How to talk to students about distressing world events

What to do if you see distressing content online factsheet

E-Safety - distressing content