Term 4 Letter from the Principal

Dear Parents/Guardians,

While 2021 has presented its fair share of challenges, there has been much to celebrate here at Sevenoaks Senior College. We are proud of the achievements of all of our students, but our Year 12 students are the first who have had to start and complete Year 11 and Year 12 in an uncertain world impacted by the global pandemic and political upheaval, and their continued resilience is particularly noteworthy. Students have continued to apply themselves to their studies and the achievement of personal goals. The impact that this uncertainty has had on our students and their families has been significant and showed itself in many ways – uncertainty of job security, forced absences of family and friends, worry about what is happening in home countries to name only a few; we are proud of how our students navigated this challenging world.

We have been fortunate in Western Australia that our Year 12 students were able to enjoy significant College milestones such as the School Ball, Sevenoaks’ Got Talent, and the Presentation Ceremony in 2021. The events highlighted just how important our school community is. Many students have a new appreciation of how Sevenoaks Senior College and its staff provides much more than an excellent education – it also provides opportunities for friendship, social connection and access to support networks.

We recently celebrated the successes of our 2021 Year 12 students at the Presentation Ceremony held at Curtin Stadium. This important event was attended by over 200 students from Sevenoaks and Cannington Education Support Centre, as well as their caregivers, family and special dignitaries. The diverse individual achievements of students were acknowledged at the event, which saw students receive their certificates and awards. The Clontarf Academy Awards Night held at the Cannington Leisureplex was also an enjoyable and well-attended occasion which allowed Sevenoaks staff and students’ families, carers and friends to formally acknowledge the many achievements of Clontarf members.

In 2021, the College has continued to focus on the holistic health of students through such initiatives as the Being a Young Adult Advocacy program, and the provision of an experienced group of experts, including Youth Workers, school nurse, school psychologist, fulltime Career Coordinator, an Aboriginal teacher, Wirrapunda Foundation staff and our highly acclaimed Follow the Dream Aboriginal support program. Students have participated enthusiastically in the many opportunities and activities on offer at the College throughout 2021, such as the week long Wellbeing Expo, NAIDOC Week celebrations, Book Week and R U Okay? Day.

I encourage students and staff to reflect on their own personal achievements and successes in 2021. We are hopeful that 2022 will see a return to normality, both at a local level and internationally. We certainly look forward to a productive and rewarding year here at Sevenoaks Senior College. I wish everyone a very safe, happy and peaceful holiday season.

Kind regards,

Fiona Thomson

Principal