LEEMING SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Celebrating Student Success

Our students continue to shine not only in the classroom, but well beyond it. From pursuing impressive achievements in their own time to embracing new opportunities offered outside their regular studies, they consistently demonstrate curiosity, dedication, and initiative. We would like to recognise and celebrate these moments of student success.

Don't forget, if your child has participated in event or competition outside of school you can tell us about it here and we will feature it in our upcoming newsletter.

Students Bring Chemistry to Life with Flame Tests

Our Year 8 STA students recently had the opportunity to see chemistry in action through a fascinating flame test practical.

As part of their learning about the elements of the periodic table, atomic structure and the properties of different elements, students explored how different metal salts produce unique colours when heated. This colourful experiment helped students visualise what happens at the atomic level, when electrons move from higher energy levels to lower energy levels, they release energy in the form of photons, which we see as different colours of light.

Each salt produced a distinct flame colour, primarily determined by the metal element it contained. This provided students with a practical way to connect their classroom learning with real-world applications, including understanding how the vibrant colours in fireworks are created.

The practical was a great example of how Science encourages curiosity, investigation and hands-on learning, helping students see the fascinating world of chemistry beyond the textbook.

Ms M. Robert, Science Teacher

A Remarkable Season for Leeming SHS in the 2026 WADL Competition

The Leeming SHS debating teams have now completed the preliminary rounds of the 2026 Western Australian Debating League (WADL) competition and are eagerly awaiting the announcement of finalists.

This year has been a remarkable season for our debaters. Across five rounds of competition, Leeming recorded 21 wins from 27 contested debates, along with an additional win by forfeit. Our Junior 2 team (Years 9–10) remained undefeated throughout the entire preliminary season, while our Senior team (Years 11–12) lost only one debate.

Throughout the season, students engaged with a wide range of challenging and contemporary topics, including the ethics of artificial intelligence, environmental policy, media reporting of crime, prison reform and social responsibility. These debates required students to think critically, construct persuasive arguments and respond confidently under pressure.

One of the standout features of the season was the willingness of students to support one another and step up when needed. During one round, Year 8 reserve debaters filled an unexpected gap and helped secure four wins from five debates. In another, Year 7 student Ayisha S. competed in a Year 9/10 team, demonstrating the confidence and commitment that have become hallmarks of the program.

This year also marked the first time Leeming SHS hosted WADL rounds. Welcoming students, teachers and adjudicators from schools across the metropolitan area helped raise the profile of debating at Leeming while making participation more accessible for our own students.

The success of the program would not have been possible without the dedication of our students, the support of their families and friends, and the generosity of staff who made classrooms available after hours for debates and training.

Congratulations to all students who represented Leeming SHS this season. We now look forward to the finals announcements and to celebrating what has already been an outstanding year of debating.

Ms R. Williams, Debate Coordinator and English Teacher

Being Thankful

A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet.  He held up a sign which said: “I am blind, please help.”

There were only a few coins in the hat.

A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat.  He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.

Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy.  That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were.

The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, “Were you the one who changed my sign this morning?  What did you write?”

The man said, “I only wrote the truth.  I said what you said but in a different way.” I wrote: “Today is a beautiful day but I cannot see it.”

Both signs told people that the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people that they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?

So the moral of the story: Be thankful for what you have. Be creative. Think differently and positively. When life gives you a reason to cry, show life that you have a lot more reasons to smile. Handle today with confidence. Prepare for tomorrow without fear. Keep the faith and get rid the fear.

The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling. And even more beautiful, is knowing that you are the reason behind it!

Carl the Chaplain

Hi parents and guardians,

It has been a busy term with students doing exams and staff marking papers which they have all managed well. I wish students all the very best in the exam results and a safe, healthy and relaxing holiday to students and families.

Flu Season

Winter is here, and I am sending out a friendly reminder and advice that will help get us all through winter in top shape.

With the changes in weather there has been an increase in ‘flu like’ illnesses in and around the community. There has also been an increase in the number of reported students and staff that are presenting with respiratory illnesses.   

Cold Vs Flu Vs RSV

The cold weather is especially dangerous for older people and people with pre-existing or chronic health conditions. People with heart conditions, autoimmune conditions and respiratory (breathing) problems are more at risk during these spells. Most viruses are airborne diseases (RSV, influenza, Covid 19 and whooping cough). The virus spread when people talk, cough and sneeze. Wearing a face mask can help lower your chance of catching the flu if you have any pre-existing conditions.

So, this winter please remember:

Get Vaccinated. If you are unaware of your vaccine status you can see your GP. There are many community services now offering free vaccines or bulk billing. Alternatively you can find a vaccine provider National Health Services Directory - Service Finder Widget

Wash your hands. Keeping your hands clean is the best way to get rid of germs. Make sure you wash your hands often with soap and warm water, or an alcohol-based rub (hand sanitiser). Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

Cover coughs and sneezes. It is important that you use disposable tissues rather than your hands or a handkerchief when you cough or sneeze. Make sure you always:

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use your inner elbow
• Put the tissue into a closed-top bin as soon as possible
• Then wash your hands with soap and warm water or use hand sanitiser.

Stay home. Viruses can be very serious for some people including young children, older people, pregnant women, Aboriginal people and people with chronic medical conditions – so it is especially important to keep your distance.

A very simple way to reduce the spread of germs is to stand or sit away from people when you or they are coughing or sneezing (at least 1 metre – about an arm's length). If you are sick, stay home.

Keep surfaces clean. Clean your home and work surfaces regularly to help get rid of germs. You can use warm water and detergent to do this. Avoid using antibacterial cleansers (disinfectants) as these can make germs resistant to them. Surfaces include phones, door handles, toys, books, keyboards etc

Where to get help

• Find a GP/doctor
• Search a GP urgent care practice (external site)
• Visit healthdirect (external site) or call 1800 022 222

If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact the School Health nurse or have a look at the links below:

• Staying healthy in winter
• Flu (influenza) – influenza A and B, symptoms, vaccine | healthdirect
• COVID-19 (coronavirus)
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Whooping cough (pertussis)

Colds

Upper respiratory tract infections or colds are everywhere, especially in winter, so it is almost impossible to stop children from catching them. Here are some points which may help:

• Teach your child to cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and to wash hands straight afterwards.
• Hands should be washed after blowing noses and before eating.
• Use tissues once and then throw them in the bin. Avoid using handkerchiefs.
• Keep your child home from school if they are unwell.
• Make sure that your children eat a balanced diet of plenty of healthy foods.
• Keep children away from smoke – it irritates their eyes and nasal passages, making it more likely that they will catch a cold.

What to do if our child gets a cold

No treatment will cure a cold or make it go away more quickly, but you can help your child feel more comfortable:

• Rest: This need not be in bed.
• Provide extra drinks: If your child doesn’t want to drink much, try giving lots of small sips of water, milk or juice, or ice blocks to suck for older children.

Hand Washing

Washing hands is the easiest way to protect ourselves from contagious diseases, like colds, influenza and gastroenteritis.  Hands should be washed before and after eating or preparing food, after going to the toilet and after nose blowing. 

When teaching your child to wash their hands;

• Use clean water and soap, making sure they cover their hands and wrists.
• Use a brush to clean under nails if they’re dirty too.
• Dry their hands with something clean (like a paper towel).

Alcohol based sanitisers are useful when soap and water is not available.  Use a half a teaspoon of the product and encourage your child to rub their hands together until they’re dry.  If you can see dirt on their hands, it is better to use soap and water. Information taken from www.raisingchildren.net.au.

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

The National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia's peak body for health advice, recommends annual vaccination for anyone six months of age or older who wants to reduce their chances of becoming ill with the flu. It takes up to two weeks for protection to develop after vaccination against flu and protection lasts about a year.

The seasonal flu vaccine is available prior to winter starting and it was free this year until 30th June 2026 from all chemists. For more up to date information is now available on the HealthyWA website or contact your GP or chemist.

Why should you get the influenza and Covid-19 booster vaccine

Influenza is a potentially serious respiratory illness, especially concerning for young children and older adults with underlying health conditions.

By getting vaccinated against influenza, you not only protect yourself but also help in the fight against other viruses such as Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, safeguarding our students, colleagues, families and loved ones.

Receiving a Covid-19 booster will help you stay protected from the Covid-19 virus, increasing immunity and reducing severity.

Dental Health Services for School Children

Parents and guardians of school aged children, this is a reminder about the importance of accessing dental services for your child’s teeth annually or as needed. School holidays is a great time to access and make an appointment for your child.

• The School Dental Service is a free, public, dental health program available to all children of eligible age in Western Australia, whether they are enrolled in a public or private school. The service is funded by the Department of Health.
• Treatment is limited to general care and there are several exclusions, for example, specialist services such as orthodontics and oral surgery. Treatment outside the scope of the School Dental Service is referred to other providers and any costs are the responsibility of the parent or guardian.
• Children are eligible for the School Dental Service from the year they turn five until the end of Year 11 or 17 years of age whichever comes first.
• Community Health Nurses can refer children to the School Dental Services by direct phone call to the clinic or via the parent who will be required to attend the first visit with their child.
• To find out where the local School Dental Service is located, call 9313 0555 or visit http://www.dental.wa.gov.au/. Community health staff, parents and teachers can visit the website to access dental health resources.

The closest Dental Services to Leeming SHS are:

1. Leeming Dental Therapy Clinic, 15 Meharry Rd, Leeming. Phone: 9332 3194. Open Hours: Monday - Friday except Tuesday from 8 - 4pm
2. South Lakes Dental Therapy Centre 62 Mason Crt, South Lake. Phone: 9417 3242. Open Hours: Monday - Friday 8 - 4pm and in first week of school holidays only, not open in the second week.
3. Willetton Dental Therapy Clinic 14 Woodpecker Ave, Willetton. Phone: 9457 4241 Open Hours: Monday – Friday 8 - 4pm. School holidays hours - Week 1: Monday - Friday 8 - 4pm. Week 2: Monday and Tuesday only 8-4pm.

Students in Year 12 or who are 17-year-olds with a health care card are eligible for general dental care at a Public Dental Clinic. To assist children, carers and parents to understand services and dental treatment being provided, Dental Health Services can arrange interpreters at no cost to families. Interpreters are available by appointment, and their use must be authorised by Dental Health Services staff.

An after-hours emergency service operates 7 days a week between the hours of 6:30pm - 8am and can be reached on 9313 0555. This service is only to be used for immediate and urgent dental attention.

The Oral Health Centre at the University of WA is part of the Western Australian public dental system. General dental services are provided to eligible public patients. Public dental services are available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, by calling 6457 4400.

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule provide financial support for basic dental services for children aged 2 – 17 years, who receive (or their family, guardian or carer receives), certain government benefits such as Family Tax Benefit Part A. For further information, visit https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-dental-benefits-schedule

Mrs D. Kitak, School Nurse

NAIDOC Week is a time for all Australians to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples while recognising the importance of connection, respect and reconciliation.

This year's theme, 50 Years of Deadly, marks 50 years of NAIDOC Week as a national week-long celebration, recognising five decades of strength, resilience, culture and community leadership. While NAIDOC's origins date back much further to the Aboriginal rights movement, this milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on progress while continuing to learn from the world's oldest living cultures.

Families play an important role in helping children and young people build understanding, appreciation and respect for First Nations peoples and perspectives. This Special Report offers practical ideas and resources to help families celebrate NAIDOC Week together and continue meaningful conversations at home.


Check out the full topic here.

Conflict is a natural and unavoidable part of family life. As children grow, differences in opinions, emotions and expectations can sometimes lead to tension at home, at school or with peers. While these moments can feel challenging, they also present valuable opportunities to teach young people important life skills. How conflict is managed within the family plays a key role in shaping a child’s ability to communicate, regulate emotions and navigate relationships.

For adult carers, supporting children through conflict means staying calm, listening with empathy and modelling respectful problem-solving. When handled constructively, conflict can strengthen relationships, build resilience and help children develop the confidence to manage disagreements in healthy and productive ways.

This edition of SchoolTV explores practical strategies to help families approach conflict with greater understanding and confidence.

You can view the full edition here.

Vaping and nicotine use are becoming increasingly visible in the lives of young people, with many children exposed to it well before adolescence through social media, advertising, gaming culture and peer conversations. What can often begin as curiosity or experimentation may quickly develop into nicotine dependence due to the highly addictive nature of these products.

Many young people are unaware of the impact nicotine can have on brain development, emotional regulation, concentration and overall wellbeing. For families, early and ongoing conversations can play an important role in helping children and teens build critical thinking skills, resist social pressures and make informed choices.

This edition of SchoolTV explores nicotine addiction, the risks associated with vaping and practical ways to support young people through this growing challenge.

The full report can be read here.

More information on the WA Student Assistance Payment can be found here.

Acknowledgement of Country

We respectfully acknowledge the past and present traditional custodians of this land on which Leeming Senior High School stands, the Whadjak/Noongar people.

It is a privilege to be standing on Noongar country. We acknowledge the contributions of Aboriginal Australians to the education of all children and people in this country we all live in and share together – Australia.

Disclaimer

Leeming Senior High School does not endorse any of the products or services on our community board.