Term 2 2022 Newsletter

In looking back over the past term at Pinjarra Senior High School, it is an understatement to say that we have definitely packed a lot in! Over the ten weeks, our students participated in a variety of events and activities that enabled them to work together to achieve shared goals. This is particularly impressive against the backdrop of escalating operational challenges presented by Covid, as it (hopefully) peaked during term 2. The rising number of Covid cases in our community was mirrored within our school last term, with significant increases in staff and student absence due to illness. This, along with a shortage of available relief teachers certainly added a layer of pressure for everyone in our school community. Students have largely been tolerant and understanding when their teachers have been away sick and all staff have done their best to ensure continuity of learning for classes. We knew that disruption to our regular routines would be a part of working through this phase of the pandemic, but I want to thank students, parents and staff for their efforts to adjust to the changing operating conditions throughout the term. The unpredictability we experienced day to day was not easy to manage, but as a team of staff, students, parents and caregivers, we did, even getting camps, excursions, sporting competitions and carnivals back on the term 2 calendar. The school community has come together, demonstrating our values of Tolerance, Responsibility, Unity and Embracing Opportunity, demonstrating the school ethos to “ Be True”. As we head into term 3, we are still a little way off a return to ‘normal’, but with continued cooperation to create the best learning environment possible, I am confident that our students will continue to thrive.

Despite the challenges, our students continued to strive for personal excellence through a range of different projects, competitions and representative roles over the course of the term.  The PFA students led the way with Year 8 and Year 9/10 Boys teams and the PFA girls team participating in Grand Finals in the interschool competition against quality opposition from Halls Head College. Both of the boy’s teams managed to secure victories, while the girls came runners up. The outstanding achievement of all teams to play in Grand Final games is testament to their effort, skills and discipline within the AFL game. The year 10 PFA boys and girls also rose to the challenge of umpiring AFL games for 17 primary schools in a day long carnival. This included 350 students and a large contingent of enthusiastic parents; a daunting proposition for even the most experienced of officials. For many of our students it was their very first time observing the game through the ‘eye of the umpire’ and while the students started off a little nervously, they finished the day thoroughly enjoying themselves, with some even saying they ‘wouldn’t mind umpiring on weekends’. This was truly a great experience for our PFA students to be involved in an inter-school event, putting themselves out of their comfort zones and allowing them to gain a greater appreciation for umpires of any sport. Once again as players and volunteers, the PFA did our school proud and should be congratulated for their efforts.

Our Netball teams also represented the school with distinction in term 2, participating in the School Sport WA Netball Carnival in Perth. The lower and middle school teams put in particularly strong performances, progressing to the second day of competition. The motivation and team work of the players was greatly appreciated by their coaches, who spoke highly of the players both on and off the court. Many of these girls were lucky to attend a West Coast Fever game in the weeks leading up to the carnival, which no doubt inspired their efforts. Thanks to Ms Van Lit for her leadership of the netball program and to Mr Gielingh who assisted with the excursion.

The other significant sporting event to round out term 2 was the House Athletics Carnival, held in the final week of term. The competition between the Houses was lively across all events, with several star athletes managing to break records in a range of events. The House mascots were proudly on display, featuring in several races (and tumbles), and Summer our school dog enjoyed greeting students as she wore the Forrest House colours as an honorary member for 2022. We enjoyed some active participation from our staff too, with the two Mr Hughes running in a 100 meter race in full medieval knight armour, (amazingly they finished ahead of some of our Year 12 boys!), while special guests from the Pinjarra Police joined Mr Crock, Mr Pickering and Mr Garnaut in an epic tug-o-war battle against the year 8s, which they were happy to win. The police cadet from the station, Jed, also managed to take out third place in the senior boys 100 meter sprint, which delighted his colleagues and the crowd alike. The P & C cooked up a storm, providing sausage sizzles throughout the day and Mr Holster ensured a festive atmosphere as DJ for the day. At the final tally of points, Scarp House were the winner of the Athletics Carnival, with Earth in second place, River in third and Forest finishing forth.  A fantastic day was enjoyed by all participants, and we extend thanks and congratulations to the Health and Physical Education staff for planning, coordinating and running such a successful event.

Perhaps less exciting but equally important were the milestones in the academic programs for students that took place in term 2. Year 7 and 9 students completed NAPLAN and year 11 and 12 students completed course exams and ESTs (Externally Set Tasks) as part of the learning program for semester one. While reporting processes have been different with the omission of comments, I am confident that parents and carers have been kept informed of student progress through regular communication with teachers and through the recent parent evening, where a large number of meetings were held to support student learning as we move into semester two. Additionally, information about student transition for year 9 and 10 students has been provided, with year 10s and their parents and caregivers participating in course selection interviews in weeks 9 and 10. This process of co-designing student pathways will be ongoing in term 3 to ensure that we assist every student to engage in purposeful and relevant educational options as they progress to senior schooling. Thanks to Mr Pittman and the team of course counsellors for your ongoing work to guide our students towards long term future success.

In closing, I would just like to thank our staff and students for their leadership over term 2. Whether in a formal role or task, or in the day to day way they offer a viewpoint, contribute an idea, provide a service or set an example for others, our school community has many ‘champions’ and I am grateful for them all. Through our shared sense of purpose, impossible becomes possible, ordinary becomes special and a school becomes a community. Thank you to everyone who has provided opportunities for our school community to see the best in themselves and others, and to build confidence around the fact that every person, every effort and every contribution matters. Enjoy a safe and restful holiday break. I am looking forward to seeing what term 3 will bring, but I am sure it will be awesome.

Jan Stone
Principal