Issue 3 - 2024

If approval is granted, the ASC will then draw up and sign the required contracts by the end of Term 1. It is anticipated that construction could then commence shortly afterwards in April, during the upcoming Term 1 school holidays.

Due to increasing costs, we have had to make some changes to the original design, however, the Building 10 project will still include:
• Resource Centre (Library) PK-12
• 8 General Classrooms
• 5 Specialist Classrooms: Textiles, Art (including kiln), Media, 2 x IT Laboratories
• Year 12 Private Study Room
• Secondary Pastoral Care/Wellbeing Hub (Psychologist, Heads of Secondary, Heads of Year)
• Secondary Student Services
• Student Bathrooms (on 2 floors)
• Staffroom
• Meeting Rooms
• Staff Bathrooms
• Offices for Principal and Deputy Principal
• Boardroom
• Undercover outdoor seating area for students
• Outdoor amphitheatre overlooking the lake

I look forward to providing further updates on this very exciting project in upcoming weeks.

CARPARKS

We have recently engaged a Traffic Flow Specialist to examine our carparks and to advise if there are any improvements that we can make to assist with traffic flow, thus improving the safety and efficiency of traffic around our school. Our goal is to minimise congestion wherever possible and to enhance road safety.

We believe in creating a safe and accessible environment for everyone in our school community. At the same time, we also encourage active transport methods such as walking, biking, and carpooling. Compared to many other schools, we are very fortunate that we do not have a major road as an exit path for our two main carparks on Swanleigh Parade.

FRIENDS OF SVACS

It is now time to call for expressions of interest from Parents/Carers who would like to join the 2024 Friends of SVACS Management Committee. There are 3 positions for Parents (see “Friends of SVACS Statement of Intent and Operating Principles”). If you are interested, please return the Application Form (sent home to all families recently) to Friends of SVACS by Monday 18 March 2024: FriendsofSVACS@svacs.wa.edu.au

LIBRARY RESOURCES

Due to the refurbishment of our previous Library building into a new Performing Arts Centre, the Library closed temporarily. Library resources, including books (fiction and non-fiction) and games, were distributed amongst Primary and Secondary classrooms during the renovations. Online Library Services have continued as usual. A temporary Mini Library for Early Years students was set up and has been operating out of a temporary location.

As it has taken longer than expected to build our new Resource Centre (Library), we will be setting up a temporary Mini Library for all Primary students that can be accessed for book borrowing and quiet reading. This temporary Primary Library will open in early Term 2 and will be located in Building 2.

Secondly, we recognised the new members of our Student Representative Council for 2024. This group represents all of our students from Pre-Kindy through to Year 12. The Student Council gives our students a more prominent voice and an ability to make a greater contribution to the continued growth and improvement of our school. The Council meets twice a term. I look forward to hearing lots of creative and constructive ideas and suggestions from our 2024 SRC this year.

Lastly, we recognised our Year 12 students for 2024. They each received a Year 12 badge as well as their long-awaited Leavers Jacket.

I look forward to watching our Prefects, Student Representative Council and Year 12 students leading our school this year.

YEAR 12 PREFECTS LUNCH

I was delighted to invite our 2024 Year 12 Prefects to lunch with me, Ms Davies and Mr Field. Of particular interest was hearing about their Prefect goals for 2024. Top of their list was the Prefects engaging with students in younger year levels by joining in different lunchtime clubs, speaking to students as they wait for their lunches in the School Café, and hanging out with students in The Pavilion on Music Fridays.

Congratulations to all swimmers, especially those who achieved a personal best, as well as our Champion Swimmers.

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

• Doug Swingler Senior Scholarship (Year 11)
• Jaye Radisich Memorial Senior Scholarship (Year 11)
• 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) 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 Friday 19 April 2024 at 4.00pm.

Brock achieved the following outstanding results:
Silver –U18 400m (50.97sec - which is under the national qualifying time)
Silver –U18 110m 91cm hurdles (15.95sec - which is under the national qualifying time)
Gold – Little Athletics U17 110m 76cm hurdles

This is a phenomenal achievement – huge congratulations Brock!

Carpe diem! Seize the day!

Melissa Powell
Principal

Group Tours

Group Tours are held once a term. These are a wonderful opportunity for prospective parents to hear from our Principal and students, as well as participating in a walking tour around our campus during term time.

Term Two Tour - Friday 7 June at 9.00am

Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Enrolments 2024 & 2025

There are currently limited places available in our Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes for 2024, with places also quickly filling up for 2025.

If you would like to enrol your child for these or any other year groups, or to register for a Group Tour please direct enquiries to our Registrar, Mrs Merri Corr on 9297 9506.

Alternatively, email enrolments@svacs.wa.edu.au.

Details of the enrolment process, including an application form, can be found on our website.

In Chapel we have explored themes of temptation, self-control and delayed gratification, which apply to us all regardless of our religious beliefs. Christians are formed by the example of Jesus who, in 40 days in the wilderness, continued to do what was right. He, like us, faced the temptation to have an easy life, to conform to popular alternatives, to be comfortable. Jesus resists temptation in order to follow the way of God, and the way that leads to eternal life: the ultimate in delayed gratification.

In this season of self-denial, we have considered the value of life, and the value of material possessions. Jesus challenges us by saying those who try to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for the sake of the Gospel will save it for eternity. What does it profit a person to gain the whole world, but forfeit their life?

We spend much of our time focused on saving ourselves, and acquiring things of temporary worth, that can rust, break, perish or be taken away. Jesus shows, most clearly in his crucifixion and resurrection, that unless we are prepared to give of ourselves for others, we will not experience the fulness of life. We might gain a huge amount in terms of wealth and property, but in the process, forfeit what is of true and lasting value: life in full communion with God our creator, redeemer and sustainer.

What happens to Jesus in the days before Easter might make him seem weak, a failure. As our school values remind us, failure and making mistakes are integral to becoming who we are meant to be; we don’t have to burden ourselves with pressure to be right and successful all the time. Jesus shows that God, even at his weakest, is stronger and wiser than human strength and wisdom. This is made known supremely in the miracle of Easter, when having given up everything for us, Jesus rises from death: the stone that the builders (humans) rejected has become the chief cornerstone. As St Paul says, when I am weak, then I am strong: a challenge for us all to find, in the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus, strength and hope in times of weakness and despair.

In Chapel we pray for many things; presently we include the situation in Gaza, Israel, Palestine and all places of conflict, where people are starving, homeless, bereaved and afraid. Prayer and works of charity go alongside fasting in the season of Lent, and we pray for Christians around the world that they might respond in charity for all in desperate need.

Fr Toby Sherring
School Chaplain

A Prayer for Lent

Almighty and everlasting God,
you hate nothing that you have made,
and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent:
create and make in us new and contrite hearts,
that we, worthily lamenting our sins,
and acknowledging our brokenness,
may obtain of you, the God of all mercy,
perfect remission and forgiveness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Around the Primary School Classrooms

There continues to be a range of wonderful learning happening across the Primary School.  Here are a few snippets from across the year levels.

Pre-Kindergarten children loved learning about colours this week. Together they read books including ‘Lulu Loves Colours’ and enjoyed listening to songs such as ‘I Can Sing a Rainbow.’ The children also made pasta necklaces using different colours. It was a very ‘colourful’ week in Pre-Kindergarten!

Kindergarten – As part of their ‘All About Me’ topic the Kindergarten students engaged in a variety of activities to learn about themselves. One of which was an autobiography depicting who they are. They were asked to look in a mirror and describe and draw what they saw. It was lovely to hear and see the students’ descriptions of themselves.

Pre-Primary students are learning to blend and segment simple words. This week they used their bodies to jump out the sounds in words. This ensures students are learning to read and write in a fun interactive way.

Year 1 students participated in a hands-on incursion with Water Corporation. Students learnt that we get water from the rain, dam and ocean. Students also learnt how to conserve water through shorter showers and turning off the tap when finished.

Year 2 In History, the Year 2 students have been exploring the past and how life has changed due to technology. The students loved listening to some grandparents sharing glimpses of their childhoods.  The differences between the childhoods of grandparents and those of the children of today are very interesting!

During Digital Technology lessons, the Year 2 students started their typing journey. Typing is a foundational aspect of digital literacy. Typing exercises and activities are designed to gradually build and reinforce typing skills in a fun and engaging manner. By incorporating typing practice into lessons, the students become equipped with the essential skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

In the art room the Year 2 students have been busy making and glazing ceramic caterpillars.

Year 3 students have been researching a local hero in the community as a part of their Humanities and Social Sciences unit. They researched what their local hero does and how this benefits the community. Students then put together a PowerPoint presentation to share their understandings with the class.

Year 4 students enjoyed a hands-on workshop, run by Telethon, to learn all about Cystic Fibrosis. Students made models to demonstrate how the lungs work. They also investigated how mucus in the lungs affects breathing by making slime.

Year 5 students have been learning how to employ persuasive elements to make their advertisements sound enticing. In their presentations, they have been convincing their classmates to buy the shoes they have designed.

Year 6 - On Friday, the Year 6 students facilitated their first Peer Support lesson for 2024 with students in Years 3 to 5. It was fantastic to see the Year 6 students working collaboratively to facilitate a range of activities with their peer groups. We look forward to seeing the students demonstrating excellence in leadership as the year progresses!

In Digital Technologies the Year 6 students have been making pictures by coding the pixels in binary to make colours.

Italian - The highlight for our Italian students has been Pizza Day,  when all Primary students enjoyed a slice of Pizza Margherita. This is the most loved and popular pizza in Italy and its ingredients represent the colours of the Italian flag: rosso for the tomato sauce, bianco for the mozzarella cheese and verde for the basil.

Swimming Lessons Finish

As Week 6 ends, so do the swimming lessons for 2024 come to a close. I thank Mr D’Andrilli and the Primary Teachers for ensuring that the swimming lessons have run smoothly. I look forward to seeing the Year 3 to 6 students put their skills into action at the upcoming swimming carnival.

Year 3 to Year 6 Interhouse Swimming Carnival

The Year 3 to Year 6 Interhouse Swimming Carnival will be held on Monday 11 March at Bilgoman Aquatic Centre, Great Eastern Highway, Darlington. Please refer to the information sent from Mr D’Andrilli. Parents and carers are encouraged to attend. This is a particularly exciting event for our Year 3 students, as it will be their first carnival. I am sure they will find it very exciting and that the Year 4 to 6 students will make the Year 3 students feel very welcome and special. The carnival commences at 9.30am for the Year 4 to 6 students and at 11am for the Year 3 students. I look forward to seeing everyone there!

NAPLAN

NAPLAN testing commences on Wednesday 13 March for our Year 3 and 5 students. Detailed information has already been sent to families. However, if you or your child would like to know more about the NAPLAN online platform you can go to the Public Demonstration Site where you can access practice tasks. Additional information can be found in the NAPLAN Information for Parents and Carers brochure.

Harmony Day Dress Up – Coming Up in Week 9

For some events, advance notice helps plan an outfit. Harmony Day is one of those events! On Harmony Day the children will be encouraged to dress up by either wearing the colour orange or a cultural costume. Harmony Day is celebrated at SVACS on Thursday 28 March.

I thank everyone for your support and wish you all a wonderful fortnight ahead.

Mrs Shirley Steel
Head of Primary School

Year 7 Camp and Information Evening

The 2024 Year 7 Camp, at Kerem Adventure Camp, will take place from Wednesday 20 March to Friday 22 March.

All Year 7 Parents/Carers are encouraged to attend the Year 7 Parent Information Evening on Monday 18 March in the Theatre when we will be presenting information about the Year 7 Camp and other information related to Year 7.

Years 7 and 10 Immunisations this year

The Department of Health is offering a free immunisation program for Year 7. The 2024 Immunisation schedule is as follows:

Year 10:

Meningococcal ACWY vaccine on Monday May 13th 

Year 7:

DTPa (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) and HPV (Human Papilloma Virus vaccine)

On Monday 26 August

Please note that students in Years 7 and 10 should wear PE uniform on the day of their immunisation.

All students require parent/carer consent before they receive any vaccinations at school. 

Please find the link below for students to register, this is the preferred method.

Login - VaccinateWA (health.wa.gov.au)

https://vaccinatewa.health.wa.gov.au/s/login/

A paper consent form can be accessed through SEQTA Engage.

For further information on the vaccines please visit the following website: 

School-based immunisation program healthywa.wa.gov.au

Harmony Day

Australia is one of the world's most successful multicultural countries. Our cultural diversity at Swan Valley Anglican Community School is at the heart of who we are as a connected community.
Harmony Day is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, from the Traditional Owners of the land to our most recent arrivals. We are united by the Australian values of freedom, respect, fairness, democracy and equal opportunity.

On Thursday 28 March, marking the conclusion of Term 1, we will celebrate and acknowledge Harmony Day throughout the entire school. Secondary Students are set to meet their Primary School Buddies for the first time this year. A school-wide picnic on the School oval is planned, where students can either bring their own lunch or order from the café. The event will feature music and various "getting to know you activities." Students are encouraged to wear something that reflects their cultural identity or the colour orange to show their support for cultural diversity and an inclusive Australia.

Debbie Davies
Head of Secondary (Pastoral Care)

Andy Quilty currently serves as an art lecturer at the University of Western Australia and is an award-winning artist. His visit provided students with the opportunity to work under the guidance of a practising artist. Students confidently took to Quilty’s more expressive approach to drawing, using a range of mark-making techniques to create diverse and exciting portraits. The workshop fostered an experimental approach to drawing as the students learned how to be resilient during the creative process and sparked new and unconventional ways to use art mediums and tools. The opportunity highlights the Art department's commitment to providing students with opportunities to explore and develop their artistic skills.

Feedback from students:

“I really loved how Andy did not want everything to be perfect and taught us that it is okay to be different. I would definitely like to have him visit our art classes again”.
Zoe C

“I really enjoyed the incursion, because it was a fun experience that allowed us to express our feelings and practice different techniques through the use of charcoal and cross hatching. Andy was very helpful and over all the experience was lots of fun, he helped and encouraged us to express what we were feeling onto the page and also introduced us to different techniques that he himself had learnt. It was definitely a worthwhile workshop and I would love to do it again”.
Allyssa A

CareersLink

• Log book checks are overdue.
• Year 11 and 12 CareerLink students need to submit their files to Mr Barnes-Roberts.
• Process is ongoing to select suitable candidates for the 2024 CareerLink Program.
• Please note, the third round of CareerLink enrolments will happen in Term 1.
• Questions to be directed to Mr. Barnes-Roberts.

Careers and Vocational Education and Training Student Portal (Years 9-12)

Careers and Vocational Education and Training information can now be found in the SEQTA student portal.

In the SEQTA student portal you will find the following information:

• VET SUCCESS STORIES
• MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
• CAREERLINK
• VET DELIVERED TO SECONDARY STUDENTS
• YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE
• ENDORSED PROGRAMS
• JOB AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

STUDENTS CAN VISIT THE SECONDARY CAREERS/VET page via the SEQTA Portal workspace.

SEQTA Learn

Student Careers Pathways Information

The In Focus Newsletter is an excellent tool in keeping young people up to date with post-secondary pathways.

Whether students are looking to go to university, TAFE or enter employment when they leave school there may be information contained in the link below to assist with this process. Although the document is quite lengthy, look at the main headings as there may be an information session or general information related to the course or pathway being pursued.

All Year 10-12 students are encouraged to download the In Focus Newsletter from the website: Career Information for Students or from the SECONDARY CAREERS/VET page on the SEQTA Portal

The 2024 WA Careers Planner is also available on the school website.

2024 WA Careers Planner

Careers Counselling

Careers Counselling can be booked by contacting Mr. Barnes-Roberts by SEQTA Direqt Message or Mark.lee@svacs.wa.edu.au

Duke of Edinburgh's Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an international program designed to empower young Australians aged 14 to 24 to explore their full potential and find their purpose, passion, and place in the world, regardless of their location or circumstance.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is designed to be an individual challenge based on the unique interests of each participant in the areas of Physical Recreation, Skill, Service and an Adventurous Journey.

Students at Swan Valley Anglican Community School will find that their sport, drama, music or other co-curricular commitments will meet the requirements for Physical Recreation and Skills components of the Award. Most Outdoor Education Camps will satisfy the Adventurous Journey and there are various volunteering positions available within the community. Students are encouraged to find their own volunteering commitment, but assistance can be provided through the School.

For more information on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award go to www.dukeofed.com.au or contact Mrs Jo Finlay – Josephine.finlay@svacs.wa.edu.au

Monday: 8am - 11am | Wednesday: 8am - 11am | Thursday: 12.30pm - 4pm

Please note: pre-booked appointments will take precedence over walk-ins.

Please see the School Website for more information and online ordering.

At SVACS, we believe that music education is an integral part of a student’s development and can provide them with invaluable skills that will benefit them academically, emotionally, and socially. Our instrumental program covers a wide range of instruments, including piano, guitar, drums, violin, singing, brass, saxophone and more. We offer individual lessons, giving students the opportunity to develop their musical skills in a way that suits their learning style. From beginner to advanced, our program caters to students at every stage of their musical journey.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to hearing from you. Graham.Local@svacs.wa.edu.au

Graham Local
Director of Music

Ellenbrook Anglican Church meets at the School Chapel on Sundays, with the service starting at 9:30am.

Corner Egerton Drive and Swanleigh Parade, Aveley.

Try the Ellenbrook Anglican Church web page - http://www.ellenbrook.perth.anglican.org

Enquiries to Reverend Andrew Burr.

Contact Details: 0439 910 317 or aburr4@gmail.com

Christmas Services at Ellenbrook Anglican Church