Dear College Community

Welcome back to Lake Joondalup Baptist College for the 2023 academic year! We are so excited to have our students back and are looking forward to a wonderful year of learning, growing and success in all forms. We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Class of 2022 on all their accomplishments. We are proud of their contributions to the College and wish them every blessing as they move forward in life. We have included a summary of some of their end of year achievements below. We would also like to offer a warm welcome to all our new families as well as new and returning staff members. We are delighted to have you here, and we hope that your child's journey with us is filled with success and joy.

Staffing Updates

We welcome the following returning staff for 2023:

Talita Butchart                         Secondary

Gloria Gray                              Secondary Music Admin Assistant

Nnamdi Nwagboh                    Secondary English Teacher

Caren Roodt                            Secondary English Teacher

Natalie Adams                         Secondary Teacher Librarian

Bridgitte Gloster                      Primary Admin Assistant

We warmly welcome the following staff to the College in 2023:

Adel van Wyk                          Secondary Science Teacher

Greg Allison                            Secondary Technologies Teacher

Jessica Ingram                       Secondary Learning Enhancement Teacher

Fiona Abdoo                           Primary School Nurse

Breana Gibbs                         Secondary English Teacher

Sandy McKay                          Secondary Health & Physical Education Teacher

Brett George                           Property Maintenance Manager

Amy Ingram                             Secondary Education Assistant

Suzannah Arlett                       Secondary Library Services Assistant

New Primary Leadership

At the end of 2022, the Leadership and support structures in the Primary School were extensively reviewed and this review resulted in change of structure. I am pleased to inform you of the following new roles in Primary school supporting the Dean of Primary Carol Harris.

Claire Vermeulen                    Primary Director of Formation Staff and Student Wellbeing

Michael Gaudin                       Primary Head Year 4-6

Claire Kilian                             Primary Head PK-Year 3

Amber Thornhill                       Primary Data and Development Leader

Nathan Douglas                       Primary Director of Teaching & Learning

Year 12 2022 WACE results

We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Year 12 Class of 2022! Our students have taken varied and informed pathways towards post school opportunities, reflecting the changes in Upper School and the post School transition, including University entrance, in recent times. We are proud of the 47 students who completed a Certificate IV in Business, and 8 students who successfully completed an ECU Uni Prep course. The class of 2022 completed a total of 89 Certificate courses, a wonderful achievement indeed. Our ATAR students achieved a median result of 83.85, with 98.5% achieving their WACE, many of whom achieved scores of 90 and above. We are particularly excited to congratulate Joshua Bryden (2022 Dux) with a score of 99.15; Alessandro (Alex) Sgambelluri with a score of 98.90; and Milan Urbani with a score of 98.35. 11 students were awarded Certificates of Distinction and 25 Students awarded a Certificate of Merit from the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA). We'd also like to extend our congratulations to Jake Mawson for being awarded the prestigious UWA Fogarty Scholarship. On behalf of the entire college, we are immensely proud of our Year 12 Class of 2022 and their impressive accomplishments. Congratulations!

Important College Information

To ensure the smoothest start to the year, please take a few minutes to read through the important information below. In 2023, we have made some changes to the structure of the day in the Secondary School, including moving Connect to immediately prior to recess. We have updated our bell times for the year, which are available below. For all Pre-Primary to Year 6 students, school starts at 8.35am and concludes at 3pm. Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten families enter through the ELC play area entrance. For all Secondary students, school starts at 8.35am and concludes at 3.15pm, unless participating in before or after school co-curricular activities. Please refer to our college website for further information and details.

PP – Y6 Primary Bell Times 2023

Start: 8.35am                           Recess: 10.25 -10.45am

Lunch: 12.25 -1.00pm             Day concludes: 3.00pm

Secondary Bell Times 2023

Prepare: 8.35 to 8.40am                  Period 3: 11.30am to 12.35pm

Period 1: 8.40am to 9.45am            Period 4: 12.35 to 1.40pm

Period 2: 9.45am to 10.50am          Lunch: 1.40 to 2.10pm

Connect: 10.50am to 11.10am        Period 5: 2.10 to 3.15pm

Recess: 11.10 to 11.30am              Day concludes: 3.15pm

2023 Term dates

Available on the College website: Student Term Dates

Arrival at the College

Students may arrive at the College from 8.15am (unless attending for an earlier starting co- curricular activity). It is not advised that students arrive before this time, as duty teachers do not commence until after this time.

Before and After School Care

Atlantis Care has ceased services for 2023. Our new provider, KidzBiz, will provide offsite Before and After School care with a bus service to and from LJBC before they commence onsite OHSC and Vacation care in on 27 March and during the April holidays.

Canteen

Canteen lunches may be ordered via www.flexischools.com.au

Car Parking

We are committed to ensuring the safety of all staff, students, parents and visitors to the College. We thank you in advance for your patience, understanding and compliance in ensuring you park in the correct zone. When walking, please use designated pathways where available. Please respond to any requests from our Grounds and Duty Staff whilst moving through these areas.

Car parks for use by our College Community are designated by colour. The car park adjacent to the Sports Centre (entry via the eastern access road) is the Blue car park, and the Shenton Avenue (Primary entrance) car park is the Gold car park.

Pre-Kindergarten (PK), Kindergarten (K) and Pre Primary (PP) families will be issued with a permit for use during 2023, which will grant access to either the Gold or Blue car parks, which is for PK and K parent parking only. The Gold car park is only for PK and K parking and the Blue car park is only for PP parent parking.

Please note that the Kennedya Drive crossing guard is employed by the Police Department of Western Australia. We are grateful for this valuable service to students and families. Over the coming term some minor works will take place to assist with improvements in this area.

Family Accounts

All families should have received their statement via email. Our website page Fee Schedule provides all the information and links required. Please note that if you choose to pay via Direct Debit instalments, you will need to complete a new Direct Debit form for 2023.

Feedback

Your opinion is extremely valuable to us. If you wish to provide us with any feedback, please use the feedback form on our website: Feedback Form

Handbooks

We encourage you to access the Handbooks on our College website at LJBC Handbooks

Medical Plans

If your child requires a new or updated Anaphylaxis Plan, Asthma Plan or other Medical Plan, please make an appointment to see the relevant Dean (Secondary - Dean of Students, Primary - Dean of Primary) as soon as possible, if you have not previously done so.

If custody arrangements change at any time, please speak to the relevant Dean as soon as possible.

Mobile phones

Mobile phones: Students are required to turn their phones off once they arrive on campus each day, and phones may not be used during the school day.

School Supplies (Booklists and BYOD items)

If you have experienced delays in receiving supplies and resources for the commencement of the school year, staff will provide copies of texts until items have arrived. Similarly, for any Year 7 or other new students for whom you have been unable to purchase devices, the Secondary Library will organise a loan device.

Uniform Shop

Details can be found on the College website at: Uniform Shop

General Uniform Shop opening hours (term time only):

Tuesdays and Thursdays: 8am-11.30am and 12.30pm-4.00pm

We are very excited to have you as part of our College community and look forward to a wonderful year. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Warm regards

Paul Sonneman-Smith

College Principal

The planning and work that commenced in early Term 4 last year to restructure the STEM and Woodwork facilities in the Technologies building came to fruition at the commencement of this year.

The purpose build STEM room was relocated to a different location in the Technologies building, replacing what was formerly a general-purpose Design and Technology classroom. The facilities in this new work area allow for the ongoing delivery of the very popular STEM courses running in Years 9 and 10. The room is equipped to teach students traditional technical drawing skills and transition these to the use of technology, where students use desktop computers equipped with CAD software to plan, design and create computer models. The computer-developed models are then sent to a laser cutter housed in this room, allowing for the manufacture and production of the designed products. The room is also equipped with a series of 3D printers allowing students to design and produce 3D models that can be printed as complete products or components used to manufacture mechanisms for larger models and prototypes. The facilities in the STEM room also allow the College to continue to offer the Dimensional Design courses in Years 11 and 12, as well as serve as a suitable workroom for the Year 7 and 8 Technology rotation programme that introduce students to the world of Design and Technology and familiarisation with and development of skills to use a number of hand tools.

This relocation of the STEM facilities was a necessary strategic move, allowing for the design and development of a purpose build woodwork room to not only be utilised by the Year 9-10 Design and Technology students but also given its proximity to the Woodwork Machine room, enabled the College to also offer Senior Secondary courses in Materials, Design and Technology (MDT) with a specialisation in Wood. The appetite for this course proved true, as enough students opted to select this course in Year 11 this year, to facilitate two classes running. Students selecting this course will learn about the origins, classifications, properties and suitability for purpose of different wood materials, as well as develop a range of carpentry skills using different equipment and techniques. They will develop skills to manipulate and work with wood as well as be introduced to various production management strategies, and as the students transition to Year 12, they will be given more opportunities to realise their design ideas through the production of their self-designed products and planned projects.

Teaching students about sustainable practices is very much a part of all Technologies courses. Students are challenged to take action to make better decisions and choices by selecting to work with materials from recycled and/or upcycled sources, promoting more sustainable practices. As students learn how to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to design for effective sustainability, they also focus on the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to choose materials, technologies and systems with regard to cost and environmental benefit. All this enables our students to reflect on past and current practices and assess new and emerging technologies with a sustainability focus.

I would like to personally thank and acknowledge all the hard work carried out by the College Maintenance team as well as the Technologies teachers and assistants, who all contributed to this vision becoming a reality.

Tom Dudek
Head of Technologies

Congratulations to LJBC student Sian!

Sian just received the City of Perth Young Community Citizen of the Year Award and is now working with the Perennial Health Institute to get her Kidzucate Take-A-Stand Program for 6 to 12 year olds online.  

We would like to introduce you to the Music Captain for 2023, Nina. Nina has been involved in the Music Program since primary school. She plays viola and piano, achieving Grade 8 AMEB for piano and Grade 6 for viola.

Nina started learning bass in Year 9 and she has been an integral part of the Swing Band, Alternative Rock Band, String Ensemble and the VET rock bands ever since.

Nina has a vision to inspire younger students to participate in many musical pathways. She believes music helps you express yourself and find who you are as well as meet new people. Nina’s strengths are seen in her leadership skills and charismatic and friendly disposition.

Students are welcome to contact Nina with ideas and for musical help and support.

Tammy van der Nest

Director of Music PK-12

Introducing the Drama Captain

We would like to introduce you to the Drama Captain for 2023, Brock. He is an active member of the Drama community in and outside of the College. Recently he starred in Light Up’s production of Aladdin. You may remember him as Troy from our 2022 College Production of High School Musical.

Brock’s first Production at LJBC was The Lion King when he was in Year 5.

Brock is a wonderful role model and always encourages his peers to give Drama a go. He has lots of exciting performing projects to look forward to this year, including being selected for Black Swan Theatre Company’s Student Ambassador program, and staring in our Senior School Production of Puffs!

Madelaine Jones
Secondar Director of Drama

Senior School Production of Puffs

Our first rehearsal of the Senior School Production of Puffs began on Monday 30 January with a bang! The ‘Puffs’ are a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders with a fandom for badgers. Their hilariously heartfelt and epic journey takes the classic wizard story to new places and reimagines what a hero can be.

We got straight into the director’s visions for the show; many ideas with set, costumes and props were shared, which made us even more keen to get into it. Our enthusiastic cast and production team dove in to staging the prologue and ‘year 1 of the school of magic and magic’. 

With a mix of Year 10, 11 and 12s involved, we are already starting to make new friends within and out of our own year groups. The whole cast is super excited to bring the show to the stage and perform it to our peers, friends and family, and we can’t wait for you to watch it at the end of March!

Save the date for our Senior School Production of Puffs on Thursday 30 March and Friday 31 March.

Brock Klompmaker
Drama Captain

Welcome to the start of a new year- 2023. The last few days have been spent seeing returning students and new students - all excited to see what this year brings at LJBC. We look forward to having our students back on campus and we look forward to an exciting year.

We are proud of the class of 2022 for all the accomplishments the whole class achieved throughout the year. Congratulations class of 2022, we look forward to hearing about the strides you make not only in our community but into the next step of life for you.

To the Class of 2023 - we look forward to this journey with you and seeing how you accomplish your goals moving forward. We are sure there will be many exciting learning opportunities that will happen and experiences that will enrich, not only your studies, but each day of Year 12.

To the rest of our students - it is a brand new year and one we welcome for each of you - through your studies, events- such as camps and incursions and excursions as well as the day to day happenings around the College, you will experience life at LJBC and we hope for that to be an enriching learning journey experience for you.

A few dates from the Calendar as a way of keeping you updated:

• Beginning in week 4: Every Tuesday and Wednesday after school we will be running After School Assessment Catch up class from 3.30pm until 4.30pm
• Y11 Information Evening from 6.30pm until 8.00 pm- 7 February
• Y7 and New Families LMS Information Evening from 6.30pm until 7.30 pm- 9 February
• Y10 Information Evening from 6.30pm until 8.00pm- 15 February

We are here to support and ensure our students are well catered for in all areas of Curriculum and should you need assistance, please contact the College to meet as needed with a member of the team.

The Curriculum Team:

Mrs Kimberly Eyre - Dean of Studies

Mr Mark Downsborough - Dean of Administration

Mrs Sonja Van Aswegen - Secondary Curriculum Manager

Mr Lynton Smith - Head of Career Education

Mr Limpie Van Aswegen - Secondary Learning Technologies Manager

Kimberly Eyre

Dean of Studies

Teens and Social Media

Social media is a big part of many teens' lives. The phenomenon known as Operant Conditioning, pioneered by psychologist B. F. Skinner, is key to the success of social media. In a nutshell, when you are consistently presented with a reward, you will repeat a behaviour.

A 2018 Pew Research Center survey of nearly 750 (13 to 17 year olds) found that 45% are online almost constantly and 97% use a social media platform, such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat. Social media gets you hooked. It's a subtle manipulation that you don't realise is happening. The designers do it deliberately to keep you scrolling.

But what impact does social media use have on teens?

Social Media Benefits

Connections: You get to stay in touch with your friends, even if they’re far away.

Learning and knowledge: There is always something interesting to learn about and explore.

Positivity: Share your good news and celebrate the achievements of the people you love.

Support: Feeling Low? Reach out to a whole network of people who care.

Inspiration: Sometimes social media gives us the bump we need to push a little harder.

Build a Platform: Use social media to show the world what you’re best at.

Hilarity and Fun: A funny video is a great way to brighten your day and bond with others.

The Drawbacks of Social Media

Echo Chambers: Algorithms are focussed on giving you more of what they think you want to hear.

Radicalisation: The same view can be reinforced until you believe it, even if it is wrong.

Sleep Deprivation: Have you ever scrolled and scrolled, watching ‘one more video’ till well past midnight.

Polarisation: It’s easy to disagree with someone from behind a screen and be nasty about it.

Conspiracy Theories: Social media gives us all a level platform to share ideas. This can be dangerous.

Threat to Personal Privacy: Are you sharing too much about where you are and what you are doing?

Organised Harassment: Bullying reaches extreme levels when people can gather a group quickly.

Decreased Time Outdoors: The addictive nature of social media means we give it priority over other activities.

Dehumanisation: Its easy to say mean things when you do not know someone on a personal level.

Jealousy and Comparison: We don’t see the complete picture of our friends’ lives, so we feel inferior.

Unrealistic Ideals: From looks to athletic ability, what you see on social media is not necessarily what you get in real life.

Protecting Your Teen

There are steps you can take to encourage responsible use of social media and limit some of its negative effects. Consider these tips:

• Set reasonable limits. Talk to your teen about how to avoid letting social media interfere with his or her activities, sleep, meals or homework. Encourage a bedtime routine that avoids electronic media use and keep electronic devices out of teens' bedrooms.
• Monitor your teen's accounts.
• Explain what's not OK. Discourage your teen from gossiping, spreading rumours, bullying or damaging someone's reputation — online or otherwise. Talk to your teen about what is appropriate and safe to share on social media.
• Encourage face-to-face contact with friends. This is particularly important for teens vulnerable to social anxiety disorder.
• Talk about social media. Talk about your own social media habits. Ask your teen how he or she is using social media and how it makes him or her feel. Remind your teen that social media is full of unrealistic images.

The internet is still there and has its benefits. You only have to steer clear of social media that tracks your habits and preferences. Use the internet to find local activities and events and get out there in the world!

References

The Hopeful Institute infographic v4

Ten arguments for deleting your social media account right now - Jaron Lanier.

Helen Del Frate

Dean of Students

Last week saw the Perth Glory Club’s largest ever Pre-Academy Camp take place at Lake Joondalup Baptist College.

Following September’s trials, 60 2012-born players were selected for the Pre-Academy, all of whom will be eligible for to represent Glory at Under-13 level next year.

As well as onfield training, the three-day camp included problem-solving games, Futsal, specialist goalkeeping sessions, video analysis and a Q&A with Glory players and coaches.

Designed to fit between the Glory Development Centre (GDC) and the National Premier League (NPL) pathway, the program is for players born in 2012 who are selected via the club’s talent identification sessions.
It is delivered by a group of highly-accredited coaches who have been specially selected for their expertise in working with players from this age group.
The key focus of the Pre-Academy program is the technical development of the players and improving their mentality and game-understanding as part of easing their transition into playing 11-a-side football on a full-sized pitch.
Players enrolled in the program remain with their existing clubs, with the Pre-Academy sessions designed to supplement rather than replace their club training.
In addition to the number of players within the program being expanded this year, parents will now be able to select a northern, central or southern training venue, making term-time evening training sessions far more readily accessible.

We are delighted to hear news and updates from our collegians, and with their permission, to share with our College community.

The following email was received for our Head of Careers, Mr Lynton Smith.

Megan Rawlings – Class of 2017

Megan Rawlings graduated in 2017. 2 years prior she came to you for help and advice. Megan wanted to study for her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing whilst still studying for her ATAR subjects.

This involved her needing a study period in year 11 for her Veterinary Nursing and studying 4 ATAR subjects, increasing to 5 in year 12.

Megan was advised by other teachers to take 1 pathway, ATAR or Certificate. Megan explained to you that she knew she wanted to work with animals and this was what she needed but also wanted to Leave school with an ATAR grade for her self-satisfaction she knew she could juggle both and you believed in her.

Megan always had a dream to study Veterinary Medicine, she was realistic and knew she would not get the ATAR to go straight in so had to have a plan B.

Her plan B was to study animal health animal science whilst working as a Vet Nurse giving her a better chance to transfer to Vet.

Here application to transfer was also backed by her taking her Vet Nursing to Africa where she did voluntary work as a nurse working with African wildlife and she works part time at Murdoch Animal Hospital Nursing. It’s a very hard course to get into and Megan knew she would need a lot to support her application and not rely just on grades.

Megan has just found out that she has a place in Veterinary Medicine and can transfer over from her second year in Animal health Animal Science.

With Megan always having a plan she did it.

We want you to know that without her having her Nursing Megan may not have been able to do this as it is such a competitive course. She would not have been able to make her application as strong as it was without all the pieces.

We want you to also know that by you allowing Megan to also complete her ATARS, she would not have had the confidence nor been able to attend Murdoch as easily as she did. Megan left LJBC with her Cert IV in Vet Nursing and an ATAR of 82.5!

I know that being a teacher is a very rewarding job but sometimes your influences on a student may go unnoticed and you may never really know the impact you have had on someone.

We want you to know the role you played in helping Megan, you really went that extra length to help her, by making it possible for her to complete both her ATAR subjects and Cert IV you gave her the confidence that you believed she was capable of managing both. When you give someone that confidence it will continue to grow and help them throughout all aspects of life.

Megan along with us will never forget your encouragement support and help in making her dreams start to take place.

The world needs more teachers like you, We will always be grateful to you and although you may not recall our meeting as you are so busy, we always will.

Jake Mawson – Class of 2022

We are delighted to share that Jake is the recipient of a UWA Fogarty Scholarship. The UWA Fogarty Foundation Scholarship Program is one of Australia’s premier scholarship programs, a joint venture between the Fogarty Foundation and the University of Western Australia, investing in the future leaders of Western Australia. Each year, there are 10 scholarships on offer for Year 12 high school students from WA. The program is enriching our community by investing in exceptional young people who use their skills, abilities and commitment to lead positive change in our community, state and nation.

Jake graduated in 2022 with 4 subject prizes, Honours in Curriculum and Service and a SCSA Certificate of Distinction, as well as the ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award and an ADF Future Innovators Award. He served as Unit Leader for the Emergency Services Cadets, Youth Leader for the college’s Ignite Youth program, as a guitarist for youth groups and competed on the Interschool Basketball team. He represented LJBC at the Da Vinci Decathlon and Future Problem Solvers Nationals, his teams having won both State competitions. 

A passionate creator who enjoys helping others, Jake designed and made the prototype for an invention used by a local Soccer Academy. He also designed and 3D printed fidget toys for a Learning Enhancement Centre. He runs a tutoring business and performed successful penetration testing as an ethical hacker, also accumulating 1M views on Quora for his articles.

Jake loves playing piano and guitar. In 2021 his band won the City of Joondalup’s Defeat The Beat and returned as Youth Judges for the 2022 competition.

Jake is looking forward to making the most of the opportunities afforded by UWA and the Fogarty Foundation Scholarship.

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 2023, our policy requires that we receive written notification of ten school weeks’ notice, addressed to College Registrar. Registrar@ljbc.wa.edu.au.