As the first semester of 2022 comes to an end, it is a good time to pause, take stock and reflect before we take the rest that the semester break brings before the push to the end of the year. Students and staff are to be commended for their resilience and ability to adapt and adjust to change. This week the College musical High School Musical opened, which not only showcases wonderful talent, but also credits the students’ hard work and resilience. Performances were cancelled at the end of Term 1 due to restrictions, and despite fitting in exams and other commitments, the students rallied. The songs We’re all in this together and Status quo take on new own meaning for these students.

A number of new families have joined the College throughout the term, and I would like to welcome them. We hope that they have felt a sense of connection and community. A thank you to our parent groups, the Primary Parents & Friends and the College Parents and Collegians Association for continuing to work through the restrictions. Thank you to those running the parent Facebook forums who provide another way of connection. We look forward to regrouping in semester 2.

Staff changes

We bid bon voyage to the following staff who will be enjoying Long Service Leave during Term 3: Mrs Meagan Maassen, Mrs Terry Cook, Ms Heidi O’ Garr, Mrs Lisa Rogers, Mrs Angelina Ryan.

Mrs Mikala Burkett will take on the role of Acting Head of Languages while Mrs Maassen is on leave.

The following staff members will also be on leave for Term 3: Ms Chiara Vellutini, Mrs Charis Stevens, Ms Jess Ingram, and Mrs Jacquie Timms.

We sincerely thank the following staff who have undertaken Acting positions this term:

• Mr Limpie van Aswegen (Acting Dean of Administration)
• Mr Lyndon Rice (Acting Secondary Manager Learning Technologies)
• Mrs Bernadette Lhota (Acting Head of Windsor House)
• Mrs Kendall Sallery (Acting Head of Arcadia House)
• Mrs Jacquie Timms (Acting Uniform Shop Manager)

Returning from leave we will welcome back Mr Mark Downsborough, Mrs Santie Brink, Mrs Annette Haskins, Mrs Jacinta Bonner, Mrs Tarryn Henry and Mrs Natasha Cole.

Leaving us at the end of term are Mrs Elmien Masters, Mrs Carrie Thornton, Mrs Jacqueline Milton, and Mr Matthew La Spina. We are thankful to these staff who have covered temporary roles this term.

Sadly, we also say goodbye to a number of staff. Mrs Aimee Webber (Japanese teacher), Mr Steven Gooch (Grounds) has retired, Mrs Daisy Bacon (Arts Assistant), Mrs Elita Maliepaard (The Arts) and Ms Emel Cobanlar (French teacher). Our thanks, prayers and best wishes go with these much-valued staff. We thank them for their wonderful service to the students of the College in their years at LJBC.

In Term 3, we will welcome to the College the following staff:

• Mrs Sarah Berry – Secondary English Teacher
• Mrs Janika Oosthuizen – Primary Administration
• Ms Ashleigh Milne (Class of 2014) – Primary Teacher
• Mrs Natasha Cole – Primary Physical Education Teacher
• Ms Lia Roodt (Class of 2012) – Primary Teacher
• Mrs Raquel de Souza (Japanese Teacher)
• Mr Joshua Norris (Japanese Teacher)
• Mrs Annette Jones (Uniform Shop Assistant)

With so much occurring this term, it is impossible to mention everything, and everyone. A sincere thank you to staff who work so hard for all students and to parents, thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the work of the College and our staff. To our students, Pre-Kindergarten through to our Year 12 class of 2022, you are the ‘vital spark’ of LJBC and we are so proud of what you have accomplished in Semester 1.

Our thoughts and best wishes are with all staff, students and parents through the Semester 1 holiday break and we pray for your safe return as we look forward to seeing all students on Tuesday 19 July 2022 for the first day of Semester 2.

Paul Sonneman-Smith

College Principal

Semester 1 has been a very busy time with Curriculum for all Year groups.  Year 7s have been settling in meeting new teachers, new friends and learning new concepts. Years 8-9 have spent the semester adjusting to learning new content and enjoying CAS sports again while Year 9s are enjoying the ability to now choose their own electives with a focus on areas they enjoy or want to learn. Years 10-12 just finished their first semester of exams being able to demonstrate their learning across a whole semester. Congratulations to all students for their first set of reports released today. Your reports demonstrate a diversity of learning across a wide range of subjects and courses.

Students in Year 11 and Year 12 recently completed applications for College Colours across Curriculum, Service, Culture and Sport. We have awarded five Full Colours in Curriculum and one in Service and Half Colours in Sport (1), Service (2) and Curriculum (2). We have also awarded 3 Curriculum Honours to deserving Year 12 students.  Congratulations to all our students for outstanding work across a variety of areas.

We look forward to seeing great things from all students into Semester 2!

Kimberly Eyre

Dean of Studies

Throughout the Term we have had MasterChef challenges in the Primary Library.  Cooking is a valuable life skill and it was wonderful to see so many students participate in the weekly challenges. Some of the challenges were to make a smoothie or milkshake, bake a special treat, make an Italian meal or make breakfast for your family. I hope your family has enjoyed all the delicious meals that were prepared.  As well as being fun, cooking with children has many positive benefits. Research shows that cooking with children increases language development, enhances fine motor skills, increases maths abilities, improves reading, introduces scientific concepts, promotes healthy eating and encourages family bonding.

Three lucky draw winners received their very own LJBC MasterChef apron and chef hat. I hope that everyone enjoyed the experience and that the students continue to help out in the kitchen. Enjoy a selection of photographs from the many entries received.

Carmen Hawkey and Jaime Lovell

Primary Teacher Librarians

Both of our Year 2 classes went on an educational Aboriginal cultural experience excursion to Herdsman Lake. This was to explore a real Western Australian wetland while at the same time discovering scientific, historical, geographical and cultural concepts, skills and values. The experience was to help them to understand that they can contribute to environmental science and participate in WA’s sustainable growth.

The students were guided by experienced education officers (Nyungar Aboriginals) through a range of indigenous learning activities. These hands-on activities were linked with the Australian curriculum and took place on the banks of Noogenboro (Herdsman Lake), which was a traditional Nyungar camp ground. They also provided a bridge of common understanding between contemporary and traditional thinking, breaking down cultural barriers as the students learnt about the modern and ancient ecological footprint.

We started with a 'Smoking ceremony'/Welcome to Country then the students broke into groups and: listened to a Dreaming story and information about the Nyungar culture and language, went on a bushwalk to see the wildlife, painted a rock using aboriginal techniques and learnt how to throw a spear.

Judith Milford and Cheri Pestell

Year 2 Teachers

Thank you to all of our students who participated in CAS sport, managed a team, or officiated during the Term. I hope you enjoyed playing sport with your friends and the experience of competing against other schools. Your involvement in these programs is imperative for the growth of the sporting culture at the College.

An outstanding season was had by our Year 7 Girls Football, Year 7 Girls Netball, Year 7 Boys Football and Year 9 Girls Netball (who finished on top of the CAS North pool). These teams all progressed into the semi-finals last week. Our Year 8/9 Boys AFL played in the CAS Grand Final last Thursday and were competitive until the last siren, going down to Mater Dei in the second half.

Our Year 7 Boys Football won their semi-final against St. Marks and played Peter Moyes in the Grand Final on Wednesday. Our boys displayed sportsmanship and determination to win 5-0 in what was an amazing team effort. Thank you to Mr Dudek, our student managers and Year 6 players who topped up the team throughout the term. Photo above.

Girls AFL

Women’s AFL is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. LJBC have nominated a Year 10-12 and 7-9 girls team to play in AFL competitions next term.

Our Junior team is a new initiative at the College and will play for the first time as a team next term. With several girls playing community sport on the weekend, they are expected to have heaps of fun and to be a force on the field.

Our senior Sports Leaders are running a ‘Have a go Day’ on Wednesday and Thursday from 3.30pm-4.30pm at the College for Year 7-12 girls interested in trying AFL. Students meet at the Sports Centre with College PE uniform and boots or appropriate footwear. 

Kim Clift

Director of Sport

Our Year 12 Chemistry students had the pleasure of visiting the Future Battery Industries Coopertative Research Centre team. The budding scientists were involved in a discussion about the future of batteries, the energy transition and the breadth of future career opportunities in the industry that is opening up right across the workforce. Having recently learnt about electrochemical cells in class, the visit to the FBICRC was especially timely.

This is a very exciting new initiative working towards Australia producing its own batteries in the future with the focus on producing battery operated cars. Currently 95% of our metals are exported to other countries for the production of batteries.

Our Year 12 Chemistry students thoroughly enjoyed their day at Curtin University.

Hennielie Enslin

Science Teacher

The Learning Enhancement Centre is excited to announce that the Year 8 Debating team has finished the 2022 season undefeated. They have competed against Hale, Christ Church Grammar School, Perth Modern, and Kelmscott with topics including trade agreements, Olympic age restrictions and online privacy. 

The students have worked tirelessly for the past 10 weeks, putting in up to 6 hours of work per week into crafting their arguments and rehearsing their speeches. 

We are so proud of these students and looking forward to following their successes in the finals in Term 3.

Ashleigh Cartledge
Academic Extension Coordinator

Congratulations to the Year 11 Ethics Olympiad team for achieving third place in the Senior School Ethics Olympiad. This competition is particularly challenging as it asks students to consider the ethics of a range of topical and controversial cases. We are so proud of these students for their many hours of hard work in preparing for the competition and their fantastic efforts in representing the College.

Ashleigh Cartledge
Academic Extension Coordinator

Roll up! Roll up! On Wednesday 14 June, the circus came to Founders Hall! Josh from Circus Challenge, otherwise known as ‘the circus man,’ visited our Year 7 Drama students for a specialist incursion. We spent two hours learning circus tricks! Students had a so much fun plate spinning, juggling, ‘fire’ twirling, diabolo throwing and balancing!

Eileen Devereux
Drama Teacher

At the end of Term 2, we celebrated Chaplaincy Week. We focused on the topic of anti-bullying. All students were given a House coloured string to wear for the week as a sign that they would stand up against bullying. We raised money for the anti-bullying organisation – Bully Zero with a sausage sizzle. More information about Bully Zero and the programs they deliver to schools can be found here: https://www.bullyzero.org.au/.

We also finished our girl’s program ‘Blossom’. This was a fantastic five-week program, which the students really enjoyed. Every week, we ate some delicious treats made by the Foods department and discussed topics of courage, love languages and beyond while making something to take home (keyrings and flower crowns were among some of these items). Some relevant and positive conversations were had around self-worth and being kind to others. I was encouraged to hear the Year 11 students Talia and Niamh share their relevant life experiences with our lower Secondary students. Thanks to all involved in making this a special time.

We are looking forward to a great Term 3!

Catherine da Silva

Secondary Chaplain

As our next group of graduates move towards their final semester at the College, we set aside time to provide a great opportunity for our students to focus on improving their social and emotional needs. The Year 12 Wellbeing Day held on the Monday of Week 10 enabled students to pause, reflect, and learn new skills to find balance in their busy and ever-changing world.

The students heard from Adam Przytula, the founder of Armed for Life on the topic of relationships and dating. Adam led our students through what factors contribute to the health of a relationship and what we can do as individuals to grow in our relationships generally and specifically in dating. As with tradition, the Year 11 Hospitality students served up a delicious lunch fuelling us for the activities to follow. A session with the Heads of House followed where students reflected on their High School experience to compose advice for our future Year 7 students, considered the quotes of wisdom provided from various staff members before thinking forward to who they want to be and what they should do to get there. The afternoon presented students with various sessions and activities to build community and their personal wellbeing. Volleyball, basketball, futsul, Pilates, videogames, boardgames and chillout zones were on offer to provide a variety of ways to relax and have fun. We had underestimated the impact a petting zoo would have on our students! The excitement and childlike joy on the faces of our students holding various cuddly animals proved that it was a valuable investment. This was met with concern when some students were heard saying "this is the best day of my life" and others having to be stopped from leaving the College with an alpaca. With all animals in good health and accounted for, the students departed at the end of the day refreshed.

The atmosphere throughout of the day was overwhelmingly positive and a great reminder to set time aside and be intentional in taking care of the wellbeing of ourselves and others.

Matthew Potts

Head of House Cumberland

Last Friday, the Student Services-team acknowledged all the students who have maintained a high standard of conduct and uniform throughout Semester 1, being excellent ambassadors for the College. Well done to these students who have maintained an impeccable record – we hope you enjoyed your morning treat!

Anmar van der Westhuizen

Head of James House

In our Wellbeing classes this term we have covered the topics of Kindness and Connection in Year 7 as well as Empathy and Compassion in Year 8. Our Year 7 and 8 Wellbeing classes each received a pen pal letter and were thrilled to be able to write back to a student in Phnom Penh.

At Lake Joondalup Baptist College we support a charity called Transform Cambodia. They seek out and rescue the most vulnerable and neglected street children of Phnom Penh. Transform rescue and protect the children from all the many injustices of poverty. They educate, clothe, feed, and champion them. Transform Cambodia restore their dignity and hand them the keys to a life of unlimited potential.

In 2018 students went on a service tour to visit two of the centres run by Transform Cambodia. We had the privilege of receiving letters form the children in Centres 24 and 25 where the students wrote about their families, local events, and their lifestyles.

Abbey Mansell, an ex-student, who went on the service tour, came and spoke to the Wellbeing classes about her experience and showed photos of the tour and the people she met.

It was wonderful to see the students engaged and respond to their pen pals! With the borders now open, we look forward to continuing with our Service Tours and visiting Cambodia again in the near future.

Elzette Schroeder
Wellbeing Teacher

Congratulations to all seven Secondary LJBC Football Academy teams, who have all progressed to the knockout stage of the Champion Schools Competition after finishing in the top two positions in the group stages. All teams will now compete in the knockout stage in Term 3. The results across all age groups are as follows:

Junior Boys (Y7 and Y8):

1. LJBC A v Ocean Reef SHS 9-0 (WIN)
2. LJBC A v Joseph Banks 10-0 (WIN)
3. LJBC B v Ocean Reef SHS 2-2 (DRAW)
4. LJBC B v Joseph Banks 5-2 (WIN)
5. LJBC B v LJBC A 0 – 2

Intermediate Boys (Y9 and Y10):

1. LJBC A v Ocean Reef SHS 5-1 (WIN)
2. LJBC A v Morley SHS 3-2 (WIN)
3. LJBC A v Butler 13-0 (WIN)
4. LJBC A v Emmanuel CCS 5-0 (WIN)
5. LJBC B v Ocean Reef SHS 2-0 (WIN)
6. LJBC B v Morley 0-0 (DRAW)
7. LJBC B v Butler 10-1 (WIN)
8. LJBC B v Emmanuel CCS 4-0 (WIN)
9. LJBC B v LJBC A 0-4

Senior Boys (Y11 and Y12):

1. LJBC v Butler 4-0 (WIN)
2. LJBC v Balga 2-1 (WIN)
3. LJBC v Emmanuel CCS 2-1 (WIN)
4. LJBC v Woodvale 3-2 (WIN)

Junior Girls (Y7-9):

1. LJBC v Woodvale 0-5 (LOSS)
2. LJBC v Balga 3-2 (WIN)
3. LJBC v Emmanuel CCS 4-1 (WIN)

Senior Girls (Y9-12):

1. LJBC v Woodvale 2-0 (WIN)
2. LJBC v Balga 6-0 (WIN)
3. LJBC v Emmanuel CCS 3-0 (WIN)
4. LJBC v SEDA 0-3 (LOSS)

John Walmsley and Brad Hassell

Football Academy Coaches

It was wonderful to be able to run our firsts Cadet Camp for the year! We had an amazing 63 Cadets participate, traveling down to Bickley Adventure Camp Thursday afternoon and ending camp Saturday morning.

Except for a bit of drizzle Thursday afternoon, the weather was perfect for our activities. The Cadets were able to challenge themselves with the Crate Climb, put some of their newly learnt skills to the test as they built bush huts and set out on an orienteering course. Problem solving and leadership skills came to the fore during the Team Building and Scavenger Hunt sessions.

The cold evenings were spent building friendships around the campfire roasting marsh mellows after our hike and night stalk.

The Cadets did a wonderful job of catering for themselves and soon got into the swing of clearing up after themselves. For their first camp, the Year 7’s did an excellent job of organising themselves and fronting up on time for our activities with day packs ready.

Our next camp will be our major camp for this year heading up to Coral Bay, 26 - 30 September. Keep an eye out for details which will be coming out early next term. Overall, the camp was a great success and something we look forward to building on in the future.

Jenny Pontarelli

Unit Leader

You always look fabulous and thank you for taking extra care to ensure your school uniform was clean, ironed and presentable. Whole-school photos were a breeze last week thanks to our wonderful Students and Staff!

We understand that situations change, and remind you that if there is a possibility that you may withdraw your child(ren) from the College during or at the end of 2022, our policy requires that we receive written notification of ten school weeks’ notice, addressed to College Registrar. Registrar@ljbc.wa.edu.au.

Sally Yeomans 

College Registrar