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- Mastering the Art of Support: Be the Friend, Parent, or Child They Need
- THINK PINK Foundation Fundraiser
- Secondary Chaplaincy Captains
- Primary Fitness Club
- Primary Cross Country
- Buddy Reading - Year 8 and Year 3
- Limited Vacancies Available for Year 5 2025 - School Tour 18 June
- Aspire
- Year 4 Perth Concert Hall WASO Visit
- Secondary Cross Country
- Primary Music Eisteddfod: A Symphony of Talent
- Music Mentor Program
- Music Breakfast Concerts
- Year 9 Media Excursion
- Emergency Services Cadets
- Football Academy
- Primary Mothers Day Breakfast
- Secondary Mothers Day Event
- Primary P&F Mothers Day Stall
- Limited vacancies available in Secondary
- Reminder from the College Registrar
- Vacation Care Program - kidzbiz
One of the important elements in effective relationships is ‘support’. The Cambridge dictionary defines support as “to agree with and give encouragement to someone or something because you want him, her, or it to succeed.” While support is a pretty common idea, it isn’t well understood. In this article I will outline a few key principles that will help you support the people you love well.
- Doing and Feeling: People need both instrumental and emotional support. Instrumental support is doing something to support someone. This could mean making a meal, driving them around, or sewing on a button. Emotional support means you are providing care, concern, and empathy for someone. This could include listening to their problems, saying encouraging words, or showing interest. Try to use both forms of support with people you love.
- Be real: In an attempt to be kind, it can be easy to fall into the trap of supporting someone by saying something untrue. You might say to your friend “Your art was the best in the competition, you should have won!” when you don’t really believe that. Stay authentic so that you are trustworthy. Clearly you aren’t going to tell them what you really think, but you could just try “hey I am really sorry you didn’t get the outcome you wanted. I still believe in you.” (emotional support)
- Ask them: In the past, in an effort to support my Mum, I would go and vacuum her house or clean up the garden. While I felt I was being supportive, if you asked her she might have suggested support looked like a chat over coffee. To ensure you are giving people the support they need just ask them. Say, “I care about you a lot and want to support you well. What can I do/say to help you feel supported?”
- Always: I always support people, I don’t just do it when they are being nice and then stop when they are misbehaving. Sometimes my students would be rude to me and then put their hand up for help. My inner child didn’t want to help them, but then I remind myself that I am an adult and I support them regardless. This doesn’t mean I accept their poor behaviour, but it does mean that my support is unconditional. They can’t earn it and they can’t lose it.
- Accept no response: Sometimes I support someone and they don’t seem that grateful. That is okay. I don’t do it for accolades or mentions on Instagram, I do it because it is the right thing to do.
Special thanks to the LJBC staff and community for being so supportive.
Dr Mandie Shean
College Psychologist
With one in seven women facing the breast cancer journey in their lifetime, the Think Pink Foundation as a community stands strong, ready to support and uplift each other. As a Student Services team we are aware there are many families in our community supporting each other. As such, the secondary student leadership jumped on board to have a fundraiser, which both staff and students embraced, dressing in pink, donating for the bake sale and staff enjoying a beautiful morning tea. The Think Pink Foundation is a lifeline where every journey is met with compassion, courage, and unwavering support.
Helen Del Frate
Dean of Students
Lake Joondalup Baptist College offers our students two fantastic fitness clubs that meet weekly - the Couch to 5k Club and the PrimX-Country Running Club. With over 90 enthusiastic Year 2 to 6 students participating, it's been great seeing their passion for running and dedication to staying active.
After their morning runs, our parent volunteers prepare a delicious bacon and egg breakfast with fresh fruit to refuel and re-energise our young athletes.
At LJBC, we understand the importance of nurturing well-rounded students who thrive both academically and physically. These running clubs have allowed our students to challenge themselves and develop a genuine love for fitness. Thank you to our wonderful staff and parent volunteers for making this event possible.
On Tuesday, Mrs Swain's Year 8 English class shared their picture books with our Year 3 students. The Year 8 students worked hard to write and illustrate these books, following the theme of sustainability. Their young audiences were very happy to be read to during the day's final period, encouraging meaningful connections between LJBC students of all ages. This collaborative effort was made possible by the support of our incredible English, Primary and Library staff. A special thanks to Heidi O'Garr who printed and bound the books, giving them a professional finish.
Jess Ingram
Learning Enhancement Teacher
At Lake Joondalup Baptist College, we understand the importance of finding the right school for your child's education. That's why we're thrilled to invite you and your Year 4 student to our upcoming College tour on June 18 2024. This tour is designed exclusively for families who are looking for the right school for their child in Year 5 2025. As a prospective LJBC family, you'll have the opportunity to explore our vibrant campus, meet our dedicated teachers, and learn about the exceptional academic and extra curricular programs we offer.
Our College tour will give your family and friends a personalised glimpse into the educational journey that awaits your child at Lake Joondalup Baptist College. You'll see first-hand how our comprehensive approach to student wellbeing and academic excellence creates an environment where every student can thrive. Please pass this on to family and friends who might be looking for this opportunity.
RSVP now to reserve your place on the Year 5 2025 College tour and take the first step towards an exceptional education for your child.
We look forward to welcoming you to the LJBC community.
RSVP by contacting our Enrolments team on 9300 7444 or registrar@ljbc.wa.edu.au
Our LJ Aspire students have been continuing to shine over the past few weeks! We currently have 80 students training for different competitions, including the West Australian Debating League, the Ethics Olympiad, and the Future Problem Solving competition.
Future Problem Solving Competition
Over 70 of our Year 7-11 students are currently training for the Future Problem Solving Australia competition which will be held in early Term 3. For this competition, students work in teams of 3-4 students to identify problems of the future and invent solutions using new and innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence, 4D printing, and programmable matter. This year’s topic is Antarctica so the students have been working hard to develop a robust understanding of life in Antarctica, environmental challenges, and the impacts of tourism.
To facilitate their knowledge, the students have been working to design research stations of the future. The Year 8 students worked in their teams to design their stations. The Year 9-10 students worked independently on their creations and created some incredibly impressive masterpieces.
Ethics Olympiad Case Writing Competition
Last year, a group of Year 9 and 10 students entered the Ethics Olympiad Case Writing Competition. This international competition, which is a branch of the Ethics Olympiad competition, asks students to write their own ethical dilemmas and discussion questions to be used as stimulus material for high school and university students all over the world.
Our students wrote a number of excellent cases and we have just heard word that five of our cases received honourable mentions from the judges. The students could choose to work alone or in a pair and selected their own topics. The students who received honourable mentions are:
Caitlin and Chloe (Bali 9 and the ethics of the death penalty)
Chantal and Tayte (Mean Girls and representations of bullying in the media)
Daisy (gender roles in relationships)
Summer and Emma (the possibilities of plant sentience)
Lachlan (modernisation of piano classics)
An extract from Lachlan’s work is below.
Case scenario
Meet Isabella, a 22-year-old gifted pianist from Australia, whose musical journey leads her to the prestigious International Chopin Piano Competition (ICPC). In October 2025, Isabella takes the stage at Warsaw aiming to fill her performances with raw passion. Her renditions challenge the norms of the competition and reveal her unique insights and perspectives on Chopin's compositions. Despite Isabella’s technical brilliance and mastery, her unconventional interpretation raises eyebrows for departing from tradition. The judges quickly disqualify Isabella for her approach to Chopin’s music, thus highlighting the conflict between a musician’s artistic integrity and the competition's conservatism.
In the realm of classical music competitions, a notable concern revolves around the balance between genuine artistic expression and conformity to tradition. Performers like Isabella often grapple with pressure to adhere to the established expectations of artists, potentially restricting them from exploring creative boundaries. In the words of Italian piano virtuoso Roberto Prosseda i, ‘[I] quit the competition game because [I] found that too much of it can stifle one’s personal style. Juries generally want a “standard” performance.’ Some critics say that classical music competitions might discourage diverse, interesting musical voices.
Discussion Questions
- Is it ethically justifiable for the judges of classical music competitions to focus on conformity over innovative interpretations?
- Do classical music competitions enhance musicians' understanding and expression of their art, or do they limit their appreciation of musical knowledge?
- How do you think Isabella’s involvement in the ICPC will inevitably shape her artistic development?
Last Friday was an unforgettable day for our Year 4 students as they embarked on a magical journey to the Perth Concert Hall. Dressed in their finest uniforms, they took their seats in the elegant concert hall, brimming with excitement for what was to come. It was a special moment for many of them, experiencing the enchantment of a live orchestra for the very first time.
The atmosphere was electric as the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra took to the stage. Led by conductor Nicholas Buc, the orchestra treated us to a spectacular performance, bringing movie soundtracks by Hans Zimmer to life. We were swept away by the enchanting melodies from Pirates of the Caribbean, Batman, Kung Fu Panda, and The Lion King. It was a truly fabulous repertoire that captivated both young and old alike, leaving us spellbound until the final note.
The Secondary Cross Country race is a highlight in our Inter House competitions. Participants from various houses take on a course that winds through pathways, bush and around the oval. Along the way, staff and students cheer on the runners, ensuring a supportive atmosphere. This event provides a refreshing break from academic routines, offering a much-needed opportunity for students to refuel and re-energise. Thank you to the HP&E and support volunteers for making this event possible.
We are thrilled to share the highlights of our recent Primary Music Eisteddfod, a celebration of the diverse musical talents within our school community. This year’s event showcased a remarkable variety of performances, each one a testament to the hard work and dedication of our young musicians.
The Eisteddfod featured a wide array of instruments, allowing students to express their musical abilities and passion. The pianists captivated the audience with their lovely melodies and emotive playing. The flautists brought a touch of elegance with their sweet, melodious tone, and the guitarist, drummer and clarinettist all added a lively and rhythmic flavour to the event. Our vocalists delivered powerful and heartfelt performances, each song telling its own unique story.
We were honoured to have Dr. Visser Liebenberg as our adjudicator this year. Dr. Liebenberg's insightful comments and constructive feedback were invaluable to our young performers, providing them with guidance and encouragement to further develop their musical skills. His expertise and passion for music greatly enriched the experience for everyone involved. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Liebenberg for his time and dedication.
Congratulations to our category winners:
- Year 1-2 Piano and Vocal: Mia took first place with a stellar performance, followed by Olivia in second place.
- Year 3-4 Piano: Stephanie won first place with her impressive playing, and Olivia followed closely with second place.
- Year 3-4 Violin: Matilda claimed first place with her precise and emotive performance.
- Vocal Group A: Liliana sang a ripper of a song in Flight Song, captivating everyone with her powerful voice.
- Piano and Vocal: Cindy and Tayah wowed the audience by showcasing their versatility with performances on two different instruments.
- Year 4-6 Instrumental: Madison produced beautiful tones in the instrumental category, showcasing her mastery of the flute.
- Year 5-6 Piano: Elyssa impressed the judges with her sensitive dynamics, demonstrating exceptional musicality.
- Vocal Group B: Beautiful performances by Isabel and David showcasing outstanding intonation and sensitive expression won them first and second place respectively.
- AMEB Grades 5-8: The audience was treated to a feast of the master composers played by our last three contestants. Matilda took first place, with Sophie and Grace both winning second place. Congratulations girls!
We also extend our gratitude to the parents and tutors who supported our students in their preparation and performances. Your encouragement and support are essential to their growth and success.
Congratulations to all our participants for their exceptional performances. We look forward to seeing how you will continue to grow as musicians and individuals.
Musically yours
Tammy van der Nest
Director of Music PK-12
Recently, the Year 4 Sponsorship students were privileged to be a part of a Mentor Class run by some of the Secondary Music students. The Year 4 students are in the beginning stages of learning the Trumpet, Clarinet and Flute and the Mentor Class is a fantastic opportunity for them to hear and be inspired by the secondary student’s musical journey and experiences.
Secondary music students Abigail on trumpet, Riley on clarinet, Sarah and Emily on flute, all gave up their lunchtime to come and perform for the Year 4s during their band class rehearsal. The Secondary mentors performed a solo for the primary students, shared their highs and lows of performing and playing an instrument, took questions from the curious young musicians and then spent time playing together with the Year 4 students to help prepare them for their end of term concert.
The Year 4 students left the class feeling very enthusiastic about practising their instruments and excited about the possibilities that await them if they continue playing after the Sponsorship Program is finished.
I look forward to hearing the Year 4 musicians perform for their parents at the culmination of the Sponsorship Program on Tuesday 18 June and congratulate the Secondary Musicians for their invaluable input so far.
Nina Shinkfield
Music Mentor Program Co-ordinator
Parents have been treated to fabulous morning Breakfast Concerts this week. The Swing Band, Mentor Band, Orchestra and rock bands prepared a set of pieces to show their parents what they have been working on during rehearsals. Parents heard their children playing with the ensemble and saw the progress that has been made this year. While parents enjoyed a hot drink with muffins and sandwiches, the ensembles tuned and warmed up.
On Tuesday it was heart-warming to see the Music Mentors sit next to their Mentees helping them with their music. The Mentees played as if they had been performing for years! The Swing Band entertained with a rendition of Mamma Mia, always a hit with parents.
Wednesday was the Orchestra’s turn to impress parents with a large array of woodwind, brass, percussion, and string instruments. There were timpani solos and wind chime solos and special melodies just for the trumpet.
Thursday was the day for all the rock bands. The Music Captain’s Rock Band showcased what a student-led band can produce – really impressive performances! The Monday AM Rock Band wowed with added percussion and guitar solo parts whilst being driven by the competent drummer and awesome vocalist. The concert concluded with all parents being given a guitar to play alongside the Specialist Class Band. It was great to see the parents having a go and the laughter and sense of community was well worth any dodgy chords!
A brilliant way to start the day!
Tammy van der Nest
Director of Music PK-12
Recently, our Year 9 Media students attended an excursion to Whiteman Park to film on location.
Students created original storyboards that incorporate a range of suspense filming techniques studied in class. The Year 9s came prepared with props and costumes and had a highly productive day.
For some of these students, it was their first-time filming on location. Both classes thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I look forward to watching their final productions.
Rachael Jacob
Media Teacher
We are very proud of our Senior Cadets for the leadership and roles they have taken on since the beginning of the year. There is never a shortage of Cadets putting their hands up to help out, which is a credit to the group.
Sessions that have been run include knots, phonetic alphabet, radios, compasses and search techniques. The visit to the Quinns Rocks Bushfire Brigade was a huge success, with Cadets getting an insight into the operations, especially since some fires have been very close to homes this season.
The Senior Sailing Camp thus far has been a real highlight. Observing the growth in confidence and skills of the Cadets from Friday afternoon practicing the capsize drill to Sunday morning being able to ‘sail into the wind’ via tacking. Having the opportunity to put some of their knot-tying skills into practice, as well as learning a few new ones and working on their problem-solving skills, showed the character of the group. A major ‘thank you’ goes to Laurance Adams and Dave who were happy to take us on as a group.
Please note that we will not be running a training session on Thursday 13 June as we have our Term 3 Planning Meeting. Our calendar will be updated on SEQTA soon after.
If you have any queries relating to the Cadet program, please contact Mrs Jenny Pontarelli on 9300 744 or via email Jenny.Pontarelli@ljbc.wa.edu.au.
Jenny Pontarelli
Unit Leader
The Lake Joondalup Baptist College Football Academy is one of only three Accredited Perth Glory Academy Schools in Western Australia.
If you would like to learn more about our Football Academy, visit the LJBC website - ljbc.wa.edu.au
We had an absolutely delightful morning here in the Primary School, celebrating our amazing mums and special carers at the Mothers Day Breakfast. It was such a joy to see our students and mums engaging in a variety of fun activities, from painting nails to solving brainteasers, making bead creations, and even trying their hand at golf! All while savouring delicious bacon and egg buns, juice, coffee, and muffins, and being blessed with music pieces played by talented students and Mr Troaca.
A big thank you to all the wonderful mums who joined us this morning. Your presence made this event truly special, and we're grateful for the opportunity to honour each and every one of you. Wishing all our mums a fantastic Mothers Day filled with love and happiness!
Claire Vermeulen
Primary Director of Formation, Staff and Student Wellbeing
The P&F extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the Annual P&F Mother’s Day Stall!
This year, we took a step towards a greener future by offering beautiful, sustainable plant gifts that not only delighted our loved ones but also contribute to the well-being of our environment.
The careful consideration, the joy on their faces, as the students chose a gift for their mothers, grandmothers or special someone, was truly heart-warming.
We are immensely proud of our students for embracing
this initiative, for their understanding of the importance of sustainable living, and the positive environmental impact we’ve made together.
Nicole Harrison
Primary P&F
Do you know a family or student interested in joining the LJBC Community? We currently have limited vacancies in the Secondary school for enrolment in Term 2. Expressions of interest can be directed to our Enrolments team on 9300 7444 or registrar@ljbc.wa.edu.au
Jo Haynes
Director of Advancement
We understand that situations change, so if there is a possibility that you may withdraw your child(ren) from the College during 2024, please contact us as soon as possible, as our policy requires that we receive written notification of ten school weeks’ notice, addressed to the College Registrar. Registrar@ljbc.wa.edu.au.
Sally Yeomans
College Registrar