Dear parents, as we rapidly approach the end of the academic year, I have been pondering whether it is just me or do others also wonder where the year has gone? As I write this article, we are at the beginning of Week 4 of the final term of the year, Year 12 students are currently sitting their final exams, Year 11 students are about to start their exam schedule and a flurry of programmed camps and activities are currently underway including the Year 4 Zoo Sleepovers, Year 5 Rottnest Island Tour, the 5 day Year 9 Adventure Camping Experience, along with various subject based class activities, excursions and experiences.

I want to take this opportunity to give a massive ‘shout out’ to the LJBC staff at this time for the dedication they have shown to ensure these opportunities for our students are indeed totally memorable, significant and enjoyable learning experiences for each and every student involved. The willingness of our staff, along with the support of our parents to go ‘above and beyond’ to deliver the best possible outcomes for our students is once again demonstrated in the most emphatic way.

The student response to these opportunities has been most highly commendable and evident through their high levels of engagement, thoughtful reflections and insights, along with a spirit of continued sense of fun and adventure while being presented with ‘stretching experiences’ beyond the routine everyday school activities.

It seems with every student group interaction that I encounter, there is a story of excitement, intrigue and dynamic learning. From our very successful State Champion Opti-minds and Future Problem Solvers at the National Championships in Brisbane, Senior School camping and expedition experiences through our Outdoor Education Program, the Football Academy Trials for over 240 students, the committed students and staff currently meeting a very demanding band and performance rehearsal and preparation schedule for our 2020 College Production of ‘The Little Mermaid’, along with the above mentioned education based adventures, you can begin to see just how dynamic and significant this season of the school year is in the educational story of our students.

This time of year, also provides vibrant opportunities for families to ‘glimpse into student learning’ through the upcoming Graduation, Award and Concert celebration events that are just around the corner. Busy yet energizing times for teachers, students and parents promise to provide us all with the opportunity to indeed finish the school year off on a very positive and enjoyable note. The demands on all concerned, students, staff and parents, is at times very challenging and we commend everyone on their resolve, energy and commitment to ensure this busy time is indeed a time of blessing and honour to our students, pulling together the year’s learning, and celebrating growth and achievement, finishing well. Thank you.

Personally, I look forward with great excitement and anticipation to the flurry of activity still in front of us. I continue to be so grateful for the opportunity to be actively involved in these educational opportunities with students and teachers, sharing the journey, excitement and challenges, gaining valuable insight into the educational outcomes and needs of our LJBC students. Upon my return, I look forward to engaging with many of you in the dynamic program of events, leading up to the end of the academic year. Once again, this is one of the most enjoyable aspects of leading such an outstanding College such as LJBC, meeting with parents, students and staff in joint celebration of an amazing year of learning, adventure and growth for our students. It is indeed great times.

Thank you to all parents for your ongoing support of, and engagement with your child’s learning journey, together we are indeed making a difference. Looking forward to seeing you over the coming weeks.

Daryl Pollard

College Principal

Term 3 saw the implementation of Consent2Go for our College families. Consent2Go ensures that parents can easily update their child's medical and care information at any time. Parents can electronically authorise any type of event or excursion and have a full history of previous activities. Parents will get timely reminders of their child's excursions and sports activities as they occur.

The accuracy and management of student health records is a high priority at the College particularly at off site events. Government legislation in this space is placing further responsibilities on schools, while also requiring clear and consistent communication between the College and families to ensure that optimum care is provided for all students.

I would like to extend our thanks to parents for jumping on board and your patience with some of the teething problems we have experienced, but in all it has been a great addition to the College platform.

Camps

The Year 8 camp held at Manjedal Activity Centre was held earlier this year due to the date swap between Year 8 and 9 camps. There were physical challenges during the day and single gender activities in the evenings at the respective campsites, which resulted in peer bonding. Camp fires and games were also enjoyed by our students.

A new initiative has been introduced for the Year 9 Camp in 2019, in that we will be challenging our students to a 5 day bush camp at Wellington Dam and surrounds. Students will be staying at three different campsites. Activities will include bushwalking, kayaking, water safety, rafting, mountain biking, abseiling and river crossing, which are sure to expose our students to Gods abundance of beauty in this natural environment.

Our Year 12 students have come to that time of year when they reflect on all the great times they have had with their peers and staff at the College through their time capsules which they put together when they were in Year 9. The Valedictory events ensured that their last week of school was one to remember culminating with the water event, Valedictory Assembly and the Valedictory Dinner which was held on Tuesday 22 October and has always been a highlight of the Year 12 calendar. The Heads of House and I would like to extend our best wishes as you enter your final school exams

Helen Del Frate 

Dean of Students 

How to study for exams and tests

As the end of year approaches, many secondary students are facing final tests and for the Year 10s, exams are looming. In order to manage the stress associated with these important assessments, preparation is the key.

General Principles

Construct a Study Timetable to make sure you have the time to review everything

Have a quiet, secluded place to study – preferably tidy and free of distraction

Don’t forget to maintain your physical and mental health – get as much sleep as possible, talk to people, eat wholesome food and stay active.

My Study Tips

• Mind maps, diagrams and dot points to help you remember facts
• Spend time reviewing work and then do questions – past exam papers, practice tests, text book questions – and check the answers carefully
• Clarify things you don’t understand with your teachers
• Form a study chat group (small) and help each other
• Put your phone in another room and have a social media free zone. Use it as a short reward for study, not a distraction while you study

 Year 10 Students - Managing Stress on the Day of the Exam

1. Make sure the night BEFORE your exam that you have all the writing materials you need, the correct calculator with spare batteries, any notes allowed, your smart rider card.
2. Check your exam timetable regularly – you don’t want to miss an exam.
3. Bring a clear, see-through water bottle to keep hydrated.
4. Try to eat something healthy before the exam which will give slow release energy.
5. Check the weather and make sure you are warm / cool enough.
6. Go to the toilet BEFORE the exam!
7. Leave home with plenty of time to get to school early.

From the Curriculum Team, we wish all students the very best for their final assessments or exams and hope you will have great success.

Bronwyn Carruthers

Secondary Curriculum and Student Pathway Manager

On 30 October, the LJBC Primary Inter School Athletics Team competed at the Inter School Athletics Carnival at Ridgewood Park. It was an exciting day for everyone, and students received high placings throughout the events.  Overall, the girls achieved third place and the boys achieved first place. This gave them a total combined score that was above all of the other schools and we took home the shield! A huge congratulations to all of the students who participated, and to those who assisted the students in their training, thank you.  Everyone’s efforts are appreciated and have helped make this a successful year for LJBC!

Heather Bishop

Primary Health and Physical Education

In Visual Art this term, our theme throughout the Primary School is 'Art for Others'. Our students are made aware of the ways their creativity and concern for others can combine to make a tangible difference in the lives of people in their community. With that in mind, the young philanthropists of Year 5 and 6 have launched into action, working collaboratively and creatively to appropriate iconic works of art and utilise various art disciplines including digital art and mixed media to design a range of artistic and quirky Christmas Cards. These Christmas cards will be sold in sets of 5 for $5 and all money raised will go to Canteen, an organisation that helps young people affected by cancer. Our playful sets of Christmas cards will be available for sale on Tuesday 12 and Thursday 14 November (Week 6) in our Primary hall from 8.15am and during lunch times on the same days.

I am so proud of the way our students are growing in kindness and influence, so, together let’s support them in their creative endeavours to make the world better for others.

Claire Vermeulen

Primary Art Teacher

On Thursday 31 October, the Year 9 Drama classes performed two short comedies: Appropriate Audience Behaviour by Ian McWerthy and It’s Not You, It’s Me by Don Zolidis. As part of these productions, the students worked to apply voice and movement techniques which were taught in class to their individual characters, as well as fulfil production roles behind the scenes.

The students really enjoyed workshopping their scenes and developing the characters. Adding the technical elements of lighting and sound helped bring the productions to life, together with adding in food props. It’s amazing how real food on stage creates such a buzz amongst the cast! Well done to the Year 9 students for pulling it all together, supporting each other through the rehearsal process and entertaining their audience! The students had a ball performing to their friends and family. I wish them all the best as they finish out the year and look forward to seeing them develop their dramatic skills in Year 10.

The Year 8 Drama classes had the privilege of learning about all things Commedia Dell’Arte on Thursday 23 October. The incursion covered the basics of the comedy form and students learnt that it was first performed in the 16th Century in Italy. Professional actors who were highly skilled in acrobatics and 'slapstick' style of comedy would perform improvised scenarios in and outside the theatre. Shane McMullan from Into the Mask Theatre went through each stock character using the iconic masks and improvised hilarious scenes for the students. Students then had a chance to perform each character and create their own slapstick comedy (with a real slapstick!) The laughter and excitement in the room was energising and we look forward to the students using the knowledge learnt to apply this to their own performances.

Eileen Devereux
Drama Teacher

Empathy is a response that is invaluable when communicating with others, such as parents, students, peers and teachers. Brenè Brown communicates simply how we can be empathetic via a simple YouTube clip.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw

Three ways to help develop empathy with your children:

1. Help build emotional vocabulary
2. Teach them about diversity
3. Give them opportunities to build empathy

More details on empathy here:

http://education.abc.net.au/newsandarticles/blog/-/b/3092062/3-ways-to-help-kids-develop-empathy-and-tolerance

Catherine da Silva

Secondary Chaplain

Past student Ben Keogh, is currently studying at the University of Denver, in Colorado USA and wrote to us. To find out more about Ben’s story click here

PCA Outstanding Collegian Award

Twenty two applications for the PCA Outstanding Collegian Award have been received, representing Collegians from across the years. The standard of applications are exceptionally high. The winner of the prestigious award will be announced at the annual Year 12 Graduation ceremony on 5 December 2019.

Calling all volunteers - volunteering time counts towards PPP hours

Please register your interest to volunteer at PCA@ljbc.wa.edu.au

To find out more about the PCA:

Watch our short video https://bit.ly/2CvNIZV

Thank you

The PCA would like to take this opportunity to thank each person for their involvement and support of the PCA this year. In 2020 we look forward to continuing our work to support the wider LJBC community.

Chaleen Botha

President of the Parents & Collegians Auxiliary

LJBC Market Night will be held on 4 December at 4.00 – 5.30pm in the quad outside the canteen
Second hand textbooks and uniform with prices clearly marked may be sold at the event
A $2 entrance fee will be charged per family whether selling or purchasing which will be sent to Cambodia Transform.

If there is a possibility that you may withdraw your child from the College during or at the end of 2019, please be reminded that College Policy states families are required to give ten school weeks’ written notice addressed to College Registrar. Registrar@ljbc.wa.edu.au

Sally Yeomans
College Registrar

Join our Principal for a tour of the College each month during term time.