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• Orientation Day
• Year 10 Venture
• Year 7 Dance Battle
• 2025 School Prefect Leadership Camp
• Preparatory School Final Assembly and Prize Giving

Last week, we warmly welcomed our incoming students and their families for our successful Orientation Day. The event was a perfect opportunity for students and their families to get to know the School, their peers and the staff they will be working with in the coming years. It is always a pleasure for me to meet new families at this exciting time in their journey at Christ Church.

This afternoon, our Year 10 students will return from their Venture experience. The students were lucky to experience fantastic weather (apart from the rain they experienced during the last few days) as they travelled through D’Entrecasteaux and Walpole-Nornalup National Parks. This is our 34th year 10 Venture trip and for over eight years, students on Venture have supported the Rotary Club of Manjimup’s annual barbecue, held at the Manjimup Heritage Park. This event not only raises funds for local community projects but also strengthens ties between the students and the Manjimup community. The partnership is a meaningful exchange where students gain insights into the local culture and community spirit and allows our students the opportunity to do community service whilst in the area. Many Rotary members are old boys who fondly remember their time participating in Venture. The trip provided an opportunity for students to step out of their usual routines, reflect on their strengths, and develop their understanding of leadership and resilience. Venture is a key component of the Year 10 journey at Christ Church, encouraging personal growth and self-awareness. It challenges students to navigate unfamiliar environments and situations, helping them to build confidence and adaptability. We look forward to hearing about the insights and skills this year’s cohort has gained during their time away.

I introduced dance into the curriculum four years ago and currently our Year 7 students are preparing for their highly anticipated Dance Battle in the Chapel. Throughout the year, they have been learning the art of breakdancing and will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in a friendly competition. This event comes at a time when breakdancing is gaining increased recognition, particularly following the viral success of Raygun at the recent Olympics. This Dance Battle provides an exciting platform for students to demonstrate their progress, support each other, and celebrate their hard work in a fun and engaging environment. In addition to promoting physical fitness, breakdancing lessons offer valuable life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and confidence.

Over the next two days, our 2025 Year 12 Prefects will attend a leadership camp designed to prepare them for their important roles in the school community. This camp offers an invaluable opportunity for our student leaders to delve into the principles of servant leadership and gain a deeper understanding of their responsibilities. Through a series of focused workshops, the students will develop key leadership skills, such as effective communication, decision-making, and team collaboration. These sessions are designed to not only develop their individual leadership abilities but also to foster a strong sense of camaraderie and unity among the group. Through a mix of practical activities and reflective discussions, the students will explore how they can serve their school community, lead by example, and inspire others.

Tomorrow, the Preparatory School will host its Final Assembly and Prize Giving, an important event in the school calendar that provides an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the many achievements of our students throughout the year. It is an important time when we not only recognise academic excellence but also the students’ personal growth, effort, and contributions across a range of areas, including sport, the arts, and service to the school community.

Alan Jones
Principal

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• Year 10 Venture
• Scotch Fixture
• Returning school equipment

This afternoon, we will welcome home our Year 10 ‘Venturers.’ It was pleasing to see many of the groups in such high spirits last weekend. Venture is a very important ‘rite of passage’ for Christ Church students. They will return with a sense of great achievement from their adventuring and experience in living with others and these experiences will provide stories for a lifetime. I hope you will notice a difference in the students on their return. The estimated return times for Year 10 Venture groups have been emailed to Year 10 parents with other details about the students’ pick-up.

On Saturday the final fixture for Firsts teams will take place against Scotch. It would be great to see the blue and gold at the grounds supporting the teams as we go head-to-head in the local derby.

As we move towards the last couple of weeks of the school year, staff have been reminding students about their responsibilities in relation to books, devices, belongings, and lockers. All students have been emailed regarding the day and time for the return of their school equipment, which is variable for each Year group (Details are also on the school calendar). Something we have also been emphasising is that textbooks need to be returned on time and in good order to avoid any fees to you, as their parents. I’d like to ask you to please remind the students of their obligations in this regard.

We look forward to having the Year 10 and Year 11 students back on campus mid-next week where they will receive their exams back for review before next year. A reminder that classes will be held up until the Final Prize-giving assembly on Tuesday 3 December.

Upcoming Senior School Events

• Year 10 Peer Support Leadership Training (nominated applicants) – Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 November
• Christmas Carol Service – 6.30pm Wednesday 27 November
• Year 10 and 11 students released at 12.45pm (no activities programs) – Friday 29 November
• Years 7 to 11 Final Prize-giving Assembly – Tuesday 3 December (11.00am to 12.15pm)

Mark Morrissy
Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School

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• Orientation Day
• Final Assembly and Prize Giving
• Year 6 Farewell
• Activity Day
• Christmas Nativity Service

Well done to all students for successfully completing their Orientation Day last Friday. The Preparatory School was abuzz with energy and anticipation for the year that lies ahead. We welcomed 81 new students into the Preparatory School and provided all boys with an opportunity to meet their teacher and classmates for the 2025 Academic Year. Our Year 6 students enjoyed getting to know which House they will be in and familiarising themselves with life in the Senior School for next year.

Whilst we are drawing close to the end of the school year, our teachers are gearing up for some significant events in the Preparatory School. Tomorrow is the Final Assembly and Prize Giving where we recognise the achievements of students from Years 3 to 6. These awards will highlight different academic achievements of our students and will also acknowledge boys who have contributed to the positive culture of our school.

Next Friday, we will bid farewell to our Year 6 students as they transition to the Senior School across the oval. They will be warmly welcomed by Mr Mark Morrissy, Head of Senior School. Following the boys’ farewell through a guard of honour, families are invited to enjoy a morning tea in celebration of this special milestone.

Monday 2 December will see our boys take part in Activity Day and our House Christmas Lunches. This day is a celebration of the school year and a chance for students to have fun with their friends and teachers. Teachers plan different activities throughout the day and the boys get a chance to cool off in the pool. Activity Day is always one of the highlights of the year.

Finally, we end the school year on Tuesday 3 December with our Christmas Nativity Service, presented by our youngest students. The boys never fail to impress us with their bravery to get up on stage and sing Christmas Carols in front of the entire school. We look forward to seeing many families at the Service to end what has been a successful 2024 in the Preparatory School.

Dr. Steven Males
Head of Preparatory School