25 September 2020

Newsletter Articles

Message from the Principal

As Term 3 comes to a close, we look back on a wide variety of activities and events that have been held. It has been great that students have been able to participate in a range of opportunities that were postponed due to COVID-19. Several curriculum based excursions, as well as camps, have been taking place. The end of Week 8 also saw our Year 12 cohort get to celebrate their College Ball at Joondalup Resort. A fantastic night was held by all who attended.

The College undertakes an extensive Year 7 transition program, and this Term saw Year 6 students from each Cluster primary school attended a one-day transition program where College staff provided practical lessons. Students were engaged in activities and spent the whole school day at the College. Students were able to experience a day in the life of a student attending the College and were encouraged to get to know well-utilised areas such as the Year 7 area, café, learning hub, gym and theatre. Feedback received was positive, and they are looking forward to coming back next Term for the final part of their transition; a two-day experience.

Due to COVID-19, the 2020 NAPLAN assessments were cancelled. Year 9 students completed OLNA instead this Term which gives them an opportunity to demonstrate the Literacy and Numeracy standard required to achieve their WACE (West Australia Certificate of Education).

Term 3 is always such a busy term, and this year was certainly no exception. It was jam-packed with celebrations of learning which are marked by a few key themed weeks. Science Week got underway with Escape Room activities in their Science lessons where they answered questions and solved clues in order to beat other teams. We were also lucky to have Orion Engineer Heather Paul lead a teleconference with our students about her experiences working for NASA. Students used the VR headsets to explore a range of spaces, including the international space station. The week finished with global FIRST “Fame Lab” an international competition that aims to find and develop young Science communicators. Students presented Science concepts in a fun and engaging way. This year’s annual Fame Lab winner was Chelsea Rodillas in Year 10. Congratulations Chelsea.

Another highlight this Term has been our annual Book Week celebrations. The theme of ‘Curious Creatures and Wild Minds’ saw staff and students showing their creativity and willingness to get involved in the week’s activities. With the Maxi Quiz, Spelling Bee and more there was so much for the students to participate in. The Year 7s participated in a day of potions, quidditch, owl making and more on the Colleges very first Harry Potter Day. The week concluded with the staff and students showing their creative side with some fabulous outfits. Fun was had by all.

As part of supporting not only the academic performance of our students, Ashdale Secondary College also invests considerable time and resources in student’s health and wellbeing. Many of you as parents and caregivers have already had contact with one of our Year Coordinators or Program Coordinators within our Student Services Team or perhaps have also had contact with our Community Health Nurse, Student Support Coordinator or School Psychologist. As a team, this Term, the staff from Students Services ran a series of events to highlight the importance of Women’s Health, which was a follow on from our earlier expo for Men’s Health. The Term also incorporated the important R U OK Day in which we highlight the importance of reminding people to take the time to stop and ask this important question and really listen to the answer.

Week 9 also saw our Year 9 and 10 Boys Soccer Team win the School Sport WA Champion School Intermediate Division. This is a significant achievement in the Colleges history as it is the first time we have made the final. Well done to all the players involved who demonstrated sportsmanship, commitment and teamwork to achieve the win. Thanks to Mr Carbone and Mr Canham for their work not only this year but in previous years coaching the boys.

Finally, at this time of the year, our Year 12 students are moving through the last few weeks of their formal Secondary education. The end of Term will see us acknowledge the achievements of the Year 12 cohort at the Year 12 Breakfast and farewell assembly. Many of our students are undertaking their final work placement and others their final assessments. I wish our students sitting exams good luck, and also encourage them to remember to take a break from study and find a balance.

Mrs Deb Doyle
Acting Principal

Ashdale Leaders

This Term, the Student Leader Team have been very busy giving back to our community in many ways.

After successfully fundraising more than $2,000 during the last week of Term 2, we were able to use this money to buy various household items to give to people in need through the charity, No Limits. Our first purchase included items such as toasters, kettles, and kitchen items followed by items such as sheets, pillows, toys and games. In Week 9 of this Term, we arranged an afternoon to pack pantry boxes for families in need, which included essential, necessary items such as salt, pepper, rice, flour, cereal, herbs, glad wrap, foil, pasta, and much more. These items were collected by a very grateful Janine Woods, the Founding Member and Chairperson from No Limits. She was so thankful for the effort we had gone to and overwhelmed with the number of items we were donating. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet volunteers from No Limits and hear how our work is directly helping people in need.

In addition to our work with No Limits, the Student Leader Team were also involved with supporting the work that is done at Perth Clinic. Students prepared hand-written cards for both staff and patients at the clinic, and these were delivered along with a range of items for patients to use such as paints, colouring books, pencils, notebooks, biscuits, and cooking items to name a few. This was done to help the clinic boost morale during the difficult times of COVID-19. The idea was brought to the Student Leaders and led by Year 10 student, Willliam, a former leader himself. These donations and cards were greatly appreciated by staff and patients at Perth Clinic, as reflected in a letter of thanks that we received from the clinic. It was great to hear that we are impacting people in such a positive way by completing such a small act of kindness.

It has been an amazing Term of giving back to the community and helping those in need, especially after the effects of COVID-19. We are very fortunate at Ashdale SC, particularly through the Leaders program, to be able to contribute towards making a difference to the members of our community.

Alyssa & Rynhardt
Year 11 Student Leaders on behalf of the Student Leader Team

2020 Year 12 College Ball

Each year we speak about how much we have looked forward to the Ball, but I guess in these unprecedented times we are doubly excited to be here. Never could we have imagined that three days out from the Ball it would be cancelled. I say cancelled because we believed we would be in lockdown for many, many months, so the fact that we were able to postpone, albeit twice, is genuinely something to be grateful for.

We began this journey with the theme of the Great Gatsby and the roaring 20s, a decade that had witnessed unprecedented economic growth and prosperity. Consumer culture flourished, with ever more significant numbers of people purchasing automobiles, electrical appliances, and other widely available consumer products. Gender roles, hairstyles, and dress all changed profoundly during the 1920s as well.

Fast forward 100 years and little did we know that the year 2020 would hold as much, if not more historical significance but for entirely different reasons. I am not going to dwell on the significant negative impacts COVID-19 has brought upon us globally, but rather focus on how it has taught us gratitude.

I am hoping I can speak for us all in expressing:

• Gratitude to live in Western Australia and, therefore, be able to resume a mostly normal life.
• Gratitude for our family and friends that we were able to spend time with during lockdown.
• Gratitude to the tireless work of students and staff that created this amazing event.
• Gratitude for the chance to celebrate the events that are so integral to your Year 12 rites of passage including the amazing Ball and in a couple of weeks the Graduation Breakfast, Graduation Assembly and Graduation Evening.

So… it took a long time in coming, but we were so happy to finally celebrate Ashdale Secondary College 2020 College Ball!

Mrs Nikki Pullella
Year 12 Coordinator

First 2020 Music Concert

The first ASC Music Concert of 2020 held on Tuesday, 1 September was a huge success! With performers from all year groups playing in a variety of items including solos, small groups and large ensembles, the audience was kept entertained for the evening! Congratulations to all our performers on the night, the Arts staff for their assistance backstage and to our audience members for supporting the Music students.

Mrs Marisa Hobbs
Teacher in Charge – Music

Book Week

The 2020 Book Week was celebrated in style, offering a range of memorable events to all students and staff. Every day there was a different activity which was enthusiastically attended by students and staff at the College. Our annual Spelling Bee once again was a firm favourite with this year’s top speller taking out first place for the second year in a row. Students and staff showed their general knowledge levels in the Maxi Quiz, which was run over three days with a knockout, seeing the top three teams from all three days competing to be the overall champions.

Throughout the week, students showcased their creative talents designing amazing posters and bookmarks to promote both the theme of Book Week and their love of reading. The Year 7 teachers organised a Harry Potter Day which was magically run by staff in the Arts, PE, Science and English departments. Students were involved in making potions, playing quidditch and even designing online wands. They were enticed to walk through a virtual tour of Hogwarts and created their own owls in Art. On Thursday, to celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday, the Learning Hub was transformed into a magical kingdom with cauldron’s, owls and broomsticks. Students engaged in trivia questions provided by the sorting hat and moved from learning area to learning area collecting vital clues to solve the different conundrums.

The Grand Finale was undoubtedly the Dress-up Day, where staff and students got into the spirit of Book Week by dressing up as their favourite characters. The College was overrun with ghouls, Dora the Explorer, pirates, wizards, Wiggles, superheroes, Under the Sea creatures and other fantastic characters.

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island." – Walt Disney

Amanda Kaljee
Literacy Coordinator

Book Week Potterheads

During Book Week, all ‘Potterheads’ apparated to the Library to participate in Harry Potter games.

The sorting hat placed all first-years into their houses, and the fun began.

The highly skilled witches and wizards consumed Polyjuice potion and through transfiguration assumed the appearance of another. Fortunately, the effects of the potion were only temporary and once characters were guessed, wore off quickly.

Next, our Hogwarts Alumni mastered their ‘quill and ink’ skills by participating in a game of ‘Drawing-tionary’. The Fidelius charm ensured that the words were safeguarded from those guessing the illustration.

Our magical scholars finally challenged themselves to gain the golden ticket to the Hogwarts Express in the scavenger hunt. It wasn’t long before the students were hopping on their broomsticks; whizzing around the school; searching for clues and collecting valuable tokens.

Our Hogwarts graduates each proved to be very worthy recipients of their Alumni Award.

Colleen Phillips and Charmaine Lester
Library

Constitutional Convention

On Wednesday 2 September, two of our Year 11 Politics and Law students were invited to attend the Annual State Schools Convention at the Constitutional Centre of Western Australia. The Convention offered students the opportunity to work with students from schools across Western Australia to analyse Australia's Constitution and debate a contemporary issue regarding it, in line with the Year 11 and 12 Politics and Law Syllabus.

Students heard from Guest speakers Dr Harry Phillips, Mr Nigel Wilkes Snr., Professor Sarah Murray and Professor Alan Fenna. Students completed problem-solving workshops to evaluate the implications of a range of topics; including the values embedded within Australia's preamble and responsibilities outlined in the constitution.

Alyssa Yates:

We spent the day evaluating the preamble of the Constitution and suggesting what alterations could be made to Australia's preamble. It was a great experience to be able to gain more insight into our Constitution and learn from experts about the issues with our Constitution. I found it extremely interesting to hear the opinions and ideas of other Politics and Law students, and it was great to meet so many new people. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to attend

Jacqlin Parker:

The Western Australian School's Constitutional Convention proved to be an incredibly insightful and engaging experience that my classmates can learn from to enhance our Politics and Law ATAR curriculum further. The main focus of the Convention was the Preamble of the Constitution, in which attendees learned and discussed the parameters of its contents, as well as its necessity. Guest speakers Ms Remie Paulik, Dr Harry Phillips, Dr Sarah Murray and Professor Alan Fenna all provided a different perspective pertaining to the importance of our constitution, the division of power and the enumeration of constitutional law in which I know I will be applying into my classwork assessments. This opportunity gave me in-depth knowledge from professionals in specialty fields that I am grateful I had the invitation to attend and to learn from.

Tara Hill
Teacher – Humanities and Social Sciences

Black Death Incursion

This Term, the Year 8 cohort has been studying the Middle Ages and the Black Death that swept through Europe in the 14th century. To bring medieval history to life, the HASS Department organised a special guest presenter from UWA to come in and run a ‘History Special Effects’ workshop aimed at educating students on the types of plague and their symptoms. Students were paired up and given a crash course in special effects makeup, including how to simulate bruises and pus-filled buboes. With a kit of special effects makeup that included silicone buboes, bruise wheels and fake blood, students enthusiastically got to work on making Medieval plague victims.

The Year 8s had a great time and the results speak for themselves!

Ashley Wright
Teacher – Humanities and Social Sciences

Keys for Life

The Year 10 cohort are currently partaking in the Keys 4 Life in school driving program where they learn the rules, laws, risks and responsibilities associated with driving a vehicle. Our 10-week program offers our students the opportunity to achieve their learner's certificate within school time, so when they turn 16, they may present their certificate to the licencing centre and receive their learners permit for a reduced fee. They must achieve a score of 24/30 during their in-class test where they will have demonstrated the knowledge to start their learner's logbook showing 50 hours worth of driving, including five hours worth of driving at night. We want to point out that should students who do not have parents or siblings in a position to help their child achieve the 50 hours that there is the RYDE program available where students can partake in a 90-minute log book drive for the cost of $15 through the support of volunteers.

Luke Serra
Health & Physical Education Teacher

Year 7 Victory Athletics Cup (AFL)

During Term 3 a group of Year 7 students competed in an afterschool AFL competition. The level of competition was high, as three out of the four schools were AFL specialist or academy schools.

In Round 1, we faced off against the reigning champs Warwick Senior High School. We fought valiantly but got thoroughly beaten by a team that’s been playing together for a while. The group showed some glimpses of promise, in particular, Alex Puca, who showed determination in the back half saving multiple goals.

Captain: Sam Gullotti
Warwick SHS: 5 - 8 - 38 def Ashdale SC: 0 - 5 – 5

In Round 2, we faced off against Wanneroo Senior High School away from home. This game was once again a reminder of some of the talents in the surrounding areas, and we were unfortunately again beaten by a specialist school. This week we got on the scoreboard with our first goal! A highlight was Mitchell Hunt, who showed us some real courage and resilience giving and receiving some big hits.

Captain: Hudson Walker
Wanneroo: 7 - 5 - 47 def Ashdale: 2 - 5 – 17

Round 3 once again found us away from the College where we versed Churchlands Senior High School. This game showed further improvement in the teams ‘on the ball pressure’ and improved flow of the ball around the ground. Unfortunately, the group did not come up with the win. Special mention to James ‘Jimmy’ Dennis for his tackling pressure, taking down some of the tall timbers at Churchlands.

Captain: Liam Deckert
Churchlands: 7 - 5 - 47 def Ashdale: 3 - 3 – 21

Round 4 found the group back on home soil where they faced off against Carine Senior High School. The game was a tug of war with the score remaining tight until the very end. Ashdale cemented the win in the final seconds with Jeremiah Fiu scoring his first goal. A valiant effort to Arshan Bahmani who found himself playing all over the ground.

Captain: Zane Graziani
Ashdale 4 - 2 - 26 def Carine 3 - 0 – 18

Thanks to all parents, staff, officials, student volunteers, including Reanna Cowton (Photographer) and the players for their efforts. We appreciate your contributions as this is what makes an afterschool competition a success.

Looking Forward to the year 8-9 Eagles competition in 2021!

Mr Benjamin Hangan
Health & Physical Education Teacher

Netball Academy

Our Year 7 - 10 Netball Academies have been busy competing at several carnivals throughout Term 3. On Friday 28 August, all ten teams competed at the Netball WA Multicultural Carnival which was a great day, promoting acceptance and fair play for all players.

We had many teams finishing in the TOP TWO positions!!! Thank you to our Year 11 and 12 helpers who coached and umpired our teams all day.

Results as follows:

10A finished 2nd
10B finished 1st
9A finished 1st
9B finished 3rd
8A finished 1st
8B finished 2nd
8C finished 3rd
7A finished 1st
7B finished 2nd
7C finished 5th

Amazing efforts, girls! Well done!

Lauren Johnston
Health & Physical Education Teacher

Year 9 and 10 Soccer Champions

After a crazy start to the year, School Sport WA found a way to conduct the soccer State Championships for 2020. The Year 9/10 Ashdale Soccer Academy did it the hard way, playing all our games away from home.

We went undefeated drawing 2-2 and beating Mercy College 1-0, then defeating Dianella Community College 3-2 on both occasions. In the Northern final the boys played exceptionally well winning the game 2-0 to advance to the State Championship game.

Our opponents were the mighty John Curtin College of the Arts. It was always going to be a challenging game to win, and we came into the game as underdogs. In every game we played this year, we showed strength and willingness to work harder than the other team. The final was no different, and the game ended 0-0 after extra time. To penalties, we went, and Ashdale became State Champions with a 4-3 after a penalty shootout, our captain Daniel Stefoski scoring the winner. All the boys played extremely well with man of the match performances from Jai Fanelli and Samuel Andrioff.

This is a talented bunch of boys who deserve to be crowned as State Champions. Hopefully, they can remain together to try and continue their run of success in 2021 and 2022.

John Carbone and Sean Canham
Teachers – Health & Physical Education

The State Championship Squad

KIAN BAGHBAN NOROOZ
SAMUEL ANDRIOFF
OSKAR PATTERSON
DANIEL STEFOSKI
SAMEER HOURANI
DAVOOD HABIBI
MOHAMMED AL ZAIDY
LORIS KOKNARIS
LIAM ARNOLD
KRISTIAN TODOROSKI
ASHER STACEY
JAI FANELLI
KAYAN BAGHBAN NOROOZ
JOSH HOTSON
MATT MCDERMOTT
ADAM JABER
MAX ARGENT (Year 7)

Numeracy in Physical Education

In Health and Physical Education, students develop numeracy capability when they create, represent and interpret data in spatial, numerical and graphical forms. Students use calculation, estimation and measurement to collect and make sense of information related to, for example, nutrition, fitness, navigation in the outdoors or various skill performances. They use spatial reasoning in movement activities and to develop concepts and strategies for individual and team games, sports or recreational pursuits. Students interpret and analyse health and physical activity information using statistical reasoning, identify patterns and relationships in data to consider trends, draw conclusions, make predictions and inform health behaviour and practices.

Some examples of where students use numeracy within their Health and Physical Education classes, or outside of the school environment include:

Find percentage as a part of a whole

• Calculate the percentage of three-point baskets in a basketball score
• Determine maximum training heart rate
• Calculate the amount of sugar/fat in a breakfast cereal to make a recommendation on a healthy choice, such as 12% of 250g = 30g.
• Determine the percentage of time spent in attacking in a game situation

Using formulas and algebra

• Use Body Mass Index (BMI) when developing healthy eating and fitness plans
• Create an algebraic expression to measure heart rate and breathing rate to monitor the body’s reaction to a range of physical activities
• Calculate running speed in terms of meters per second (m/sec), meters per minute (m/min) or kilometres per hour (km/hr)

Angles and lines

• Estimate angles such as those formed at the elbow when releasing an object
• Determine the effect of angles on the height and distance of flight in jumps
• Account for wind resistance when angling a bat, racquet or stick to hit
• Explain swing bowling in cricket in term so the angle of the ball seam

Time

• Measure the time it took for a student to run 800m and make comparisons to previous runs or records
• Read and interpret different representations of time on an analogue clock, digital clock or timer (uses lap times on a stopwatch or app)

Graphical representations of data

• Select a line graph to demonstrate a trend a bar graph to compare fitness levels of different age groups or a histogram to show the ages of runners completing a marathon
• Interpret a range of graphs to identify trends, such as trends in participation in organised junior sports, and predicts future trends and possible action based on the data
• Interpret charts that show changes in recreational activities and the consumption of fast food

Who would have thought that numeracy skills play such a vital part of the physical activities we undertake? Are there any more that you can think of?

Tracey Rutter
Numeracy Coordinator

A note from the Community Health Nurse

We are entering into hayfever season again so I would just like to remind students who suffer from hayfever to ensure they have a small amount of an antihistamine medication with them each day at school should they require it.

Please also take the time to read this notice about Head Lice.

Marian Hulatt
Community Health Nurse

Centrelink’s New School Leavers Resource Kit

Every year, students and their families look for information about financial help after high school.

Centrelink has created a suite of materials with information about student payments. This resource will assist students and families in the knowledge of how to claim the available payments.

All school leaver resources can be found at:

Services Australia hopes that the information provided through these online resources will help to steer students to future success and peace of mind.