Issue 9 - 2026

Students are working hard to complete their academic tasks and Year 9 and Year 12 students in particular are preparing for their upcoming examinations. We wish our Year 9 students, writing exams for the very first time, every success. We wish our Year 12 students enrolled in ATAR Courses all the very best for their impending Mock Examinations. Our thoughts are with all our Year 12’s as they complete their academic requirements for graduation and the year. We hope that all students will be able to look back in Week 10 and feel satisfied with what they have achieved this term.

Term 3 has seen SVACS students in both Primary and Secondary achieve wonderful results in the Co-curricular sphere. In sport, our students are doing well in Secondary NEAS Interschool Competition. At this point in the term, I am delighted to report that SVACS students will compete in the Year 7/8 NEAS Volleyball Final and the Year 7/8 girls Volleyball Final after going undefeated during the season. Additionally, our Senior Volleyball teams achieved fantastic results at the recent Senior NEAS Volleyball Carnival, with all four teams progressing through to their respective grand finals.
Congratulations to our Senior teams on their results:

• Year 9/10 A-team mixed volleyball = 1st place
• Year 9/10 B-team mixed volleyball = 1st place
• Year 11/12 A-team mixed volleyball = 2nd place
• Year 11/12 B-team mixed volleyball = 2nd place

More than 120 students have been selected to compete in the Inter-School Athletics Competition. In preparation for this, it is exciting to see a high number of students out early on the oval in the mornings, diligently attending the training sessions on offer.

In Primary, students competed in the WACSSA Basketball Carnival.  The SVACS girls team finished in 3rd place and the boys won the championship. A wonderful result indeed. In addition to this, students competed in the SSWA Primary Champions Cup Netball Carnival. This carnival included all the winners from interschool carnivals around the metro area. Our girls team finished 5th in their pool and our boys team finished 4th in their pool, a very respectable set of results.

As a community we should be justifiably proud of what our students have achieved so far this term and the above mentions only capture a small snapshot of the many wonderful things that are happening on the campus. SVACS is a busy, happy and productive place and the learning is visible in every part of the school. We look forward to celebrating many more successes as the remainder of the year unfolds! 

Ms Powell, our Principal, returns from her time away in Week 7. Before I step back into my Deputy Principal role, I am very aware that Father’s Day is almost upon us. May I take this opportunity to wish all our wonderful Fathers, Grandfathers and Carers a very happy Father’s Day.

Penelope Houghton
Acting Principal

As the National NAIDOC week celebration occurs during the Term 2 School holiday, NAIDOC Week at SVACS is held in Week 2 of Term 3. The theme for NAIDOC Week in 2026 was “50 years of Deadly”. Students in both Primary and Secondary participated in a variety of events. One of the highlights included was  the annual student leaders visit to Karta Koomba (Kings Park) where students undertook a cultural walk under the guidance of a Whadjuk Noongar Elder. Year 12 leaders and Year 6 leaders attended this “hands on” tutorial morning.

The final brought together a strong field of teams from 12 schools, some of which included Aquinas College, Kennedy Baptist College, Lesmurdie Senior High School, Mandurah Baptist College, Mercy College, Perth Modern School, Rossmoyne Senior High School and St James’ Anglican School.

SVACS students performed exceptionally well, achieving an outstanding third place. Perth Modern School secured both 1st and 2nd places and it was so exciting to see SVACS taking out a well-deserved 3rd place.

The weather on the day was bright and sunny but cool enough to ensure a comfortable day for competitors. Year 12 students entertained the Secondary School with their “final Carnival Dress up costumes”, a bright and colourful addition to the Secondary Athletics Carnival Day. The Inter-House Athletics Trophy was awarded to Irwin based on the day’s results. Students from Stirling House were delighted at being awarded the Spirit Cup. It was a highly successful day celebrating the final Secondary House Athletics Carnival under the current House System.

As part of this experience, students committed to individually raising money for Anglicare. As part of Service Learning, this experience provides an opportunity for students to understand what it might be like to sleep rough and experience homelessness. Students took up this challenge experiencing a cold Winter’s night with no shelter, limited food and broken sleep!

The Monastery town celebrates stillness and silence, providing an opportunity for students to reflect and experience peace. This experience tied directly into the current Religious Education unit that Year 12 students are studying. Students were given a tour of the grounds and a history of its growth. The Visual Arts students in the tour group enjoyed the array of artwork presented from both a First Nations and European perspective. All students were respectful of the significance and history of the town. The New Norcia Chapel experience and the opportunity to reflect was appreciated by students, particularly as they prepare to step into post school life.

She was the Champion 1 star Combined Training Rider (Dressage test and a Show Jumping round at 1.05 metres). She was also named the Champion for 90cm and 1m Show Jumping. In addition to this Caitlin also placed third overall in the 95cm Eventing Series which was run over 4 events from the start of the year. As a results of these successes, Caitlin was awarded the Overall Champion Secondary School Rider for 2026. An exceptional finish to her time riding in the Western Australian Interschools Equestrian Competition. Congratulations, Caitlin!

If you have not already done so, please visit the Enrolments page on our website to begin your online application. For further information or assistance, please phone 9297 9506 or email enrolments@svacs.wa.edu.au

One full term’s notice in writing is required of your intention to withdraw a student.

This means that you must give at least 10 school weeks’ notice of any withdrawals (a school week is defined as a week during school term time—not school holidays).

Addressed to the Principal (Ms Melissa Powell), a withdrawal notice should be sent via email to enrolments@svacs.wa.edu.au 

The parables of the man who buys a whole field, in which he has discovered treasure, and the merchant who finds a pearl and sells everything else to buy it, teach us about the value of God’s Kingdom: not a place but a state in which we are ruled by God and seek to do God’s will. This causes us all, of whatever faith or beliefs, to consider the value of the different commodities and philosophies we are offered in today’s world.

What is so precious that we would give everything else up for? What would we need to give up in order to live in a world where values are more precious than jewels?

Feeding the Five Thousand

Once we move beyond debates about how Jesus could feed more than 5000 people with five loaves and two fish, and have twelve baskets of food left over with everyone being filled, we can consider the question of why. The disciples have been taught to welcome, forgive, and heal, yet they are going to send the people away because their food isn’t enough. This miracle story shows that however inadequate or small we may feel, however useless or insignificant, Jesus takes what and who we are, and tells us we are enough. The baskets full of leftovers are a sign of God’s overflowing, infinite and unconditional love: it doesn’t run out even when everyone has been filled, and there is more afterwards than before!

Walking on Water

This story reminded me of my spectacular fall into the water on a camp last year, when trying to run along a line of kayaks. Water shoes didn’t help me. Again, beyond the debates about how Jesus was able to walk on deep water in a storm to rescue his friends, is profound teaching about faith and the nature of God.

The storm, which blows the disciples out to deep water and isolation, is the human condition: we are often blown off course and far from home. Sometimes, like Peter, we take a leap of faith, and this can have positive or negative results. Jesus reaches out to rescue Peter from water – as well as a baptismal a symbol, this teaches those without Christian faith of our reliance on others to lift us up; for Christians the hand of God reaching out and leading us into safety is what happens for all of humanity, when God reaches out to Earth, takes our humanity, is lifted up on the cross and ascends into heaven, so that we too might be lifted up. Peter, who stands for us all as the maker of bad choices, the one who blurts things out without thinking, and falls under the water, is chosen as the rock on which God builds the Church. Like the loaves and fish, he is enough, and God’s grace is enough to save him and raise him up.

Father Toby
School Chaplain

Prayer

Lord our God, you sent your Word to live among us,
to feed your people with your truth and inspire them with your wisdom.
Graciously grant that we, who ponder his mighty works,
may come to greater knowledge of your kingdom,
where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit
God, for ever and ever.
Amen

The 2026 theme, Symphony of Stories, was celebrated at a special assembly featuring a dress-up parade, a staff skit based on Giraffe Can’t Dance, and the Remarkable Reader and Writer Awards. Congratulations to everyone for making Book Week such a success.

One of the most memorable experiences was gathering around a campfire for a traditional yarning session. Students had the opportunity to make damper by wrapping dough around authentic pieces of wood and cooking it carefully over the fire pit. The campfire provided a wonderful setting for conversation, reflection and learning, allowing students to connect with one another while engaging in an important cultural tradition.

Students also contributed to beautifying our school grounds by planting native plants in the garden beds. To add a special touch, they decorated the area with painted rocks inspired by Aboriginal artwork created by students in previous years. This collaborative project not only enhanced our outdoor environment but also served as a lasting reminder of the rich cultural heritage celebrated during the week.

A highlight of the celebrations was a visit from Aboriginal singer Lilly Gogos, who captivated students through music and storytelling. Lilly shared her cultural journey and personal experiences, using music as a powerful way to connect with students and celebrate Aboriginal culture. Her performance was engaging, inspiring and warmly received by all.

Our Year 6 students and a group of senior school students were also privileged to participate in a discussion facilitated by Vaughn McGuire. Through this session, students gained valuable insights into Aboriginal history, culture and perspectives. They listened thoughtfully as Vaughn shared his knowledge and experiences, encouraging meaningful reflection and understanding. Students particularly enjoyed exploring Indigenous artefacts, which helped bring their learning to life and provided a tangible connection to the stories and cultural knowledge being shared.

To conclude the NAIDOC Week celebrations, a group of our School Leaders attended an excursion to Kings Park, where they participated in an Aboriginal cultural tour. Students thoroughly enjoyed learning about the many ways Aboriginal peoples have traditionally used native plants for food, medicine, tools and everyday living. Exploring the natural environment through an Indigenous perspective provided valuable insight into the deep knowledge and connection Aboriginal peoples have with the land and its resources.

NAIDOC Week provided a wonderful opportunity for our students to celebrate and acknowledge the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are grateful to Lilly Gogos, Vaughn McGuire and all those who contributed to making the week such a meaningful and memorable experience. The enthusiasm, curiosity and respect shown by our students throughout the celebrations were truly inspiring, and we look forward to continuing to build understanding, appreciation and respect for Australia's First Nations cultures within our school community.

Pre-Kindergarten - Our Pre-Kindy classes have been learning all about dinosaurs! The children have explored different types of dinosaurs and enjoyed a range of hands-on activities, including creating dinosaur paintings, making fossils, and using playdough to design their own dinosaurs.

In support of Bullying No Way Week, the children have also been reading books about kindness, friendship, and trust networks. The children have engaged in meaningful discussions about how to be a kind friend and who they can turn to for help and support.

Junior Years Assembly and Worship by 5W: 8.50am Tuesday 1 September
Father’s Day Breakfast: Friday 4 September
WACSSA Inter-School Cross Country: Friday 4 September
Tournament of the Minds (selected students): Saturday 5 September
SVACS Got Talent: Monday 7 September
RU OK Day: Thursday 10 September
Open Classrooms: 8.45am to 9.45am on Thursday 10 September
Junior Years Athletics Carnival: Friday 11 September
Write a Book in a Day (selected students): Monday 14 September
Junior Years Assembly and Worship by 3F: 8.50am Tuesday 15 September
Year 1 Concerts: After school on Tuesday 15 September
Year 2 Concerts: After school on Wednesday 16 September
Early Years Assembly and Worship by PPD: 8.50am Thursday 17 September
Year 5 Camp, Swan Valley Adventure Centre: 17 and 18 September
Year 3 – 12 Assembly (formal uniform required): Wednesday 23 September
Valedictory Assembly and Walk of Honour: Friday 25 September
Last Day of Term 3: Friday 25 September

Thank you to everyone for supporting our Primary School. I wish you a wonderful fortnight ahead!

Mrs Shirley Steel
Head of Primary School

After a night sleeping rough with just a piece of cardboard and sleeping bag and participating in simulation activities, our students certainly gained a greater understanding of some of the hardships and challenges faced by young people in these circumstances. Our amazing 2025 team raised $8840 through two Bake Sales and individual sponsorship. Congratulations to the whole Anglicare team (including some unable to attend the event) and a big thank you to all our supporters and sponsors.

Inspired by this year’s CBCA Book Week theme, “Symphony of Stories,” students and staff from across the School have come together to celebrate the stories that entertain us, inspire us and help us understand ourselves and others.

Our celebrations began with a fantastic whole-school dress-up day. From much-loved picture-book characters to heroes, villains and creatures from every corner of the literary world, the costumes were wonderfully imaginative. It was terrific to see so many students and staff embracing the fun and sharing their favourite stories.

Our Year 12 Prefects were instrumental in promoting Book Week as a whole-school celebration, helping to generate enthusiasm and encourage participation across both the Primary and Secondary Schools. Their leadership and energy played an important role in bringing our school community together for the occasion.

Primary students enjoyed a special Book Week assembly, featuring an entertaining staff performance inspired by Giraffes Can’t Dance. The assembly celebrated the joy of reading and writing while also recognising some of the enthusiastic and talented readers and writers within our school community.

On Monday, older and younger students connected through a Book Week themed Buddy activity. Younger students enjoyed sharing stories with their older buddies, while students across the year levels discussed favourite books, characters and reading experiences. These activities provided a lovely opportunity to build relationships and strengthen our whole-school culture of reading.

This year, Book Week has also been combined with English Week, with the English Department running a range of fun reading and writing activities in the Resource Centre throughout the week. These activities have encouraged students to play with language, share their creativity and discover new ways to enjoy reading and writing.

Staff joined the celebrations too, with a special Book Week morning tea, a lively literary quiz and prizes for some of the day’s most memorable costumes.

Thank you to our Year 12 Prefects, Primary Team, the English Department and everyone who dressed up, performed, participated in activities, shared a book, decorated, organised or helped make the week such a success. Most importantly, thank you for helping us celebrate the magic of stories and the important place that reading and writing hold within our SVACS community.

Happy Book Week and English Week!

Watch the video below for some highlights from this year's Book Week: