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Reflecting on a Great Start to the Year at Leeming Senior High School
The beginning of the school year has been full of exciting moments and successful events. We are pleased to share highlights of the past few weeks, where we celebrated the achievements of our students and staff and set the stage for a positive year ahead.
Year 7 Students Settling In
Our Year 7 students have made an impressive start to high school, quickly adapting to the new environment. They spent their first few days participating in a range of exercises and house group activities, which helped them connect with peers and teachers. The positive feedback from the students has been fantastic, and we’re excited to see them continue to grow and thrive.
A Memorable School Ball
The School Ball held on Friday 21 February, 2025 was an unforgettable evening. The event was filled with energy and celebration, highlighted by a surprise staff flash mob that added a unique and fun element to the night. It was wonderful to see students and staff come together to make this occasion truly special.
Principal’s Update
Our substantive Principal of 14 years, Mr Wallwork has been successful in gaining a promotion to Director of Service Planning and Coordination at Statewide Services Branch. This means I will remain in the role until the end of Term 2, when a permanent replacement will be appointed.
Our School Board is looking for two Parent Representatives and one Community Representative. The role of the Board and additional information can be found on our website: https://leeming.wa.edu.au/school-news/
Nominations close Wednesday 26 March, 2025. Meetings are held in Week 3 and 9 each term.
Year 12 Parent Evening
We hosted a successful Year 12 Parent Information Evening, where we provided valuable information about the upcoming milestones in the Senior School. Parents had the opportunity to learn more about university visits, which are now in full swing. These visits are designed to help our Year 12 students explore their future options and make informed decisions about their paths after graduation.
Class of 2024 Achievements
We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2024 and their outstanding results. A special congratulations to our students and staff for their hard work. Here are some key highlights from the Year 12 cohort:
These achievements reflect the dedication, hard work, and passion of our students and staff. Congratulations to everyone involved in supporting our students to reach these milestones.
Supporting a Good Cause
The Summer Vibes Fundraiser was another highlight, which saw students raise over $1,000 for the Cancer Council. Thank you to everyone who contributed and participated in this important cause, your generosity will make a difference in the fight against cancer.
Celebrating Excellence
At our whole-school assembly, we celebrated the achievements of our students, including the Year 11 Winners who were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the school community. We also had the pleasure of welcoming back past students, who shared their experiences and inspired the next generation of Leeming students.
It’s been a wonderful start to the year, and we look forward to building on this momentum as we continue to support our students in their academic and personal growth.
Mr D. Atthowe, Principal
COMPASS PUSH NOTIFICATIONS
It is important that you have Compass downloaded on your phone to receive all school notifications.
If you haven't updated your Compass app to receive push notifications on your phone for upcoming events such as excursions, please follow the steps below.
Meet our 2005 Dance Captains
As we kick off the 2025 school year, we are thrilled to introduce our incredible Dance Captains: Lily C. and Eloise G. These talented and dedicated Year 12 students will be at the helm of dance at Leeming SHS this year, bringing their passion and commitment to inspire and lead throughout the year.
Lily and Eloise have been integral members of our dance program for years, showcasing remarkable leadership, creativity, and a true love for dance. We are excited to see their leadership flourish in the coming months.
We are also thrilled to welcome back Miss Bunnage, our Specialist Dance Teacher, to the Upper School Dance at Leeming. Miss Bunnage's expertise in dance and her passion for teaching will be an incredible asset to our program. Her dedication to pushing students to reach their full potential and her focus on building strong technical skills will elevate the experience for our Upper School dancers.
In addition to Miss Bunnage, we are excited to introduce Ms. D'Vauz, a wonderful new addition to our dance teaching team. Ms. D'Vauz brings with her a wealth of experience and an infectious enthusiasm for dance. Her fresh perspective and energy will be a great addition to the department, and we can’t wait to see what she is able to achieve with our students this year.
This year’s auditions for the Dance Performance Team were a huge success, with many talented dancers showcasing their skills. After an intense round of tryouts, the selected team members have been announced. Congratulations to everyone who auditioned – your dedication and talent were truly impressive! We’re looking forward to seeing what this exceptional group will create under the guidance of our new captains.
Here’s to an amazing year of dance. Let’s make it one to remember!
Mrs E. Brooks, Dance Teacher
Welcome Chikuyo Gakuen Exchange Students to LSHS!
Leeming Senior High School was delighted to welcome our exchange students from Chikuyo Gakuen Junior High School, Japan! Their arrival marked the beginning of an exciting two-week cultural and educational exchange, fostering friendships and cross-cultural understanding between our schools.
The exchange students arrived in Perth on Thursday 20 February, and were warmly greeted by their host families. Over the next two weeks, they experienced Australian school life, took part in special lessons, and explored some of Perth’s most iconic attractions, including Fremantle, Rottnest Island, and Kings Park.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our incredible host families for opening their homes and hearts to our guests. Your generosity and kindness are instrumental in making this program a success, providing our exchange students with an authentic and welcoming experience. We also extend our gratitude to the local community for their involvement and support in making the students feel at home.
Additionally, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to the dedicated teachers who have volunteered their time to teach and engage with the exchange students. Your efforts in planning and delivering meaningful lessons help enrich their learning experience and strengthen the bonds between our schools.
We hope this exchange was a memorable experience for both the Chikuyo Gakuen students and the Leeming SHS community. We hope Chiyuko Gardens students enjoyed their time here!
Japanese Specialist Afterschool Workshops: High Demand and Exciting Opportunities Ahead
The Japanese Specialist After-School Enrichment Workshops at Leeming SHS have been met with overwhelming enthusiasm this term, with the Yokai (A Myth) workshop quickly reaching capacity. These engaging sessions, held on Wednesdays from 3-4 pm, allow students to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture, mythology, and language in a fun and interactive way.
With a focus on Yokai—supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore—students have been exploring mythical beings such as the Kappa, learning about cultural traditions, and comparing elements of Japanese and Australian homes. These workshops provide an enriching extension to the Japanese Specialist Program and are an excellent way for students to enhance their language skills while earning valuable Japanese Specialist Extension Points.
More Enrichment Opportunities in Term 3
Due to high demand and limited space, many students were unable to secure a spot in for Semester 1. However, we are excited to announce that additional workshops will be available in Term 3, offering another chance for students to participate in these highly sought-after sessions.
Beyond the afterschool workshops, students can engage in various extension activities throughout the year, including:
✅ Term Challenges – Fun, competitive tasks to test language skills
✅ Education Perfect (EP) Championships – Compete in a global online Japanese competition
✅ Kanji Competition – Improve and showcase kanji reading and writing skills
✅ Specialist Extension Tasks – Enrich learning through in-depth language and cultural projects
Participation in these activities contributes towards extension points, which go towards exciting incursions, excursions, and eligibility for the prestigious 2025 Japanese Specialist Award.
We encourage all students to stay updated via the Japanese Specialist Connect Page and submit permission forms early for Term 3 workshops to avoid disappointment. Thank you to all students for their enthusiasm and to families for their continued support in fostering a love for Japanese language and culture.
スグロ先生
Ms J. Sgro, Japanese Specialist Teacher
Year 11 Physical Education Studies Excursion to Murdoch
On Wednesday 19 February, the Year 11 General and ATAR Physical Education Studies students attended Murdoch University to participate in a series of workshops linked to their Functional Anatomy Unit.
In their first workshop, students raced in teams to label the bones of the body on a skeleton. They then went on a hunt to answer questions about the joints of the body; completed a quiz on muscles, tendons, joints and cartilage; and received a lesson on sitting and standing posture.
In the second workshop, students conducted a series of functional movement tests to determine where they have strengths and weaknesses in eight major movements necessary for optimal physical functioning.
Their final workshop investigated muscles and required students put on coveralls and label as many muscles as they could. Their final activity was ‘muscle or dinosaur’, where students had the tricky decision of deciding if the word on the screen was a muscle or a dinosaur.
The students represented Leeming exceptionally well, receiving high praise from the facilitators, and came away with a greater understanding of the content. Thank you to Mr Boughton for helping accompany the students on the day.
Mrs K. Nairn, Health and Physical Education Teacher
Celebrating Valentines Day, Galantines Day and Singles Day
To celebrate Valentine's Day, Galantine's Day and Singles Day our Lifestyle Fitness students made some cards and bracelets for that special somebody in their lives.
Term 1 Focus
This term, students are focusing on the ‘mind’ aspect of ‘body, mind and soul’ that helps us discover who we are. We are learning all about ourselves and participating in activities that help raise awareness.
So far, students have participated in a bush scavenger hunt, created woodland creatures, and designed and created their own bubble wands. Students have really enjoyed participating in all activities.
Students are looking forward to future walks, mindfulness meditation, cooking and meal planning, and learning all about self-care. It has been a great start to the year for us all.
Ms J. Blackmore, Health and Physical Education Teacher
Welcome to our New Staff Members
We are delighted to welcome two outstanding educators, Mr Braid and Mrs McLaughlin, to the Leeming Senior High School team. Both bring unique expertise and a deep passion for teaching and enriching our school community.
Mr Braid joins us with an impressive 31 years of experience in WA public schools. As a dedicated Maths teacher, he thrives on making maths engaging and accessible, ensuring every student feels supported in their learning journey. His commitment to student success and well-being reflects his enthusiasm for the subject and his goal of fostering a positive, safe learning environment.
Mrs McLaughlin brings a global perspective to her teaching, with a background in both Mathematics and French. Hailing from the beautiful island of Mauritius, she is passionate about sharing her love for learning languages, and cultural exploration. Beyond the classroom, she enjoys adventurous family time with her energetic son, striking the perfect balance between professional dedication and personal joy.
We are excited to have them on board and look forward to the impact they will make on our students and school community!
Maths Homework Club is Here!
We are pleased to offer the Maths Homework Club, running every Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00 pm in Maths Central. This is a great opportunity for students to receive individual help with their Maths questions in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Whether you're working on homework, preparing for a test, or just need extra guidance, our dedicated teachers will be there to assist you. All students are welcome—just bring your maths problems and a positive attitude!
We look forward to seeing you there!
📍 When: Every Thursday, 3:00 – 4:00 pm
📍 Where: Maths Central
📍 Who: All students welcome!
If you have any questions, feel free to ask your Maths teacher. See you at Maths Homework Club!
Mrs S. Kalra, HoLA Mathematics
Debating Workshop Prepares Students for 2025 Season
On 26 and 27 February, 18 enthusiastic students from Years 7–11 took part in an intensive debating workshop run by the Western Australian Debating League (WADL). The workshop focused on the three key pillars of successful debating: method, manner, and matter. Students honed their argument structure, delivery skills, and critical thinking through engaging exercises and expert coaching.
Mrs R. Williams, English Teacher and Debate Coordinator
It has been a very busy start to 2025 in the school Library. We have had several displays already including a very popular one on dinosaurs promoting books for students to read. The Year 7 students are particularly enjoying coming to the Library and are keen to read as well as to participate in the different clubs offered.
In the Robotics Club, students have made some fantastic spheres and thoroughly enjoyed driving them around the Library. Once they got to know the basics of building, quite a few of the students created their own spheres.
The Study Smarter Session held after school on Mondays is specifically designed to help Year 7s get organised for high school. They can get their device set up properly and connected to the school network; learn to use their diaries effectively and get helpful tips on their time management.
Come along when you feel you need to work on some specific skills or come along each week and use it as a revision and weekly organisation session while learning a few new study tips.
The Minecraft Edu Club is very popular with the area packed at lunchtime, with all year groups welcome to join in.
The Chess Club has quite a few new members, which is fantastic. Fresh competition keeps everyone on their toes!
We have also had the exchange students from Japan in the Library regularly. They had a fun session where they tried all robotics equipment as well as played a few games like Uno and chess.
All students are welcome to come to the Library, borrow books and join in any of the clubs and activities.
What’s Happening in the Library?
Leeming Senior High School – BYOD
All Year 7-12 students are reminded to bring their device to school daily.
Year 7s should all be set up on their devices through Digital Literacy & Study Smarter Sessions. Any student who hasn’t connected to the school network, please come to the Library before school or at lunchtime.
Leeming SHS’s preferred supplier is JB Education.
You can visit the website at https://byod.jbhifi.education and log in using the password: leemingshs2025
Parents can also go into a JB HiFi store, show their child’s Education Department email address and negotiate a price.
Movies at Lunchtime
Students from all year groups come in at lunchtime - sit down, relax and enjoy a movie.
Below is a list of the movies being shown this term. In order to show movies that the students enjoy, we have included some that have a rating of PG. If any parents disagree with these movies being shown in the Library, please contact the Principal.
Ms C. Steel, Teacher Librarian
Year 7 Transition Activity
In a recent creative challenge, the Year 7 students teamed up to design and construct clothing using only newspapers and sticky tape. Their teamwork and problem-solving abilities were truly impressive as they collaborated to create a wide array of innovative clothing pieces, including a stunning wedding dress! The activity not only showcased their resourcefulness but also encouraged creativity and cooperation, with each group adding their own unique twist to the task.
Mrs S. Flynn, HASS Teacher
My First Day of High School
It is hard to tell you the way I felt about my first day of high school but if I tell you how it all went then maybe you will understand.
I woke up in the morning excited but, nervous as it was the day I would begin my journey of high school. Thousands of thoughts rushed through my mind. Will I fit in? Will I make friends? Will I have nice teachers? Will I be bullied? That is when I panicked but my mum assured me, I would be fine if I followed school rules and did what was asked.
So, off I went in my uniform and smiled hoping for the best outcome possible. My bag weighed me down, but I stood up tall and proud. We met at the school hall with welcoming smiles and sat in our form classes. I could feel the tension in the air then I knew I was not the only one feeling this way.
We then had a tour of the school and were shown where everything would be. I just hoped I could remember it all when I needed to. Then we headed off to our first class to meet our fellow classmates. I was happy with my class as not one kid was mean or nasty to one another.
As the lunch bell rang chaos arose kids running and screaming everywhere, dashing to the canteen hoping not to get caught in the line-up of course. I went and sat down with my friends from last year, we chatted about our holidays and what their first lesson of high school was like. Before we knew it, we were back in class.
We got to know our teachers a bit more, my prayers had been answered as we had the best teachers of all. The teachers were not strict nor grumpy or mean, they were friendly and nice how all teachers should be.
Before I knew it, the day was over. I do not know why I panicked or was scared at all. High school may seem scary, but it is just like primary or kindergarten.
My first day of high school taught me I should not be so quick to judge something I have not even tried. High school was NOT lame; scary or bad as I thought it would be but it was the funniest thing I have done in the last 13 years.
I love high school now it is the best thing of all. I hope your first day will be one of the best days of your life too.
Remember to always think positive, and enter a room smiling, as its contagious.
Have a great 2025.
Carl the Chaplain
Welcome back to all students and families attending Leeming Senior High School (LSHS) and a big welcome to all the Year 7’s and any new students and families new to the school.
My name is Mrs. Kitak the Community Nurse based at LSHS. I work Monday to Wednesday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Ms. Browne-Neaves is Leeming's other school Community Nurse who works on Thursday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
The Health Centre is in the Student Services building with Student Services Managers, Chaplains, School Psychologist, and a Community Nurse.
I am happy to meet parents and discuss medical issues that may be a problem for your child. I am also happy to meet the students, especially if they are new to Leeming SHS. Please come to the Health Centre and say hello. I do encourage students to come and see me in their own time, before school, break times and after school, if the matter is not urgent. If your child needs to see the nurse in class time, they need to bring a note from the teacher, or their diary signed by their teacher.
Only emergencies will be seen in class time.
Confidentiality is respected and students can make an appointment to see me if they would like to discuss an issue or problem.
Medical Conditions
If your child has a medical condition or develops a medical condition, for example asthma, anaphylaxis, diabetes, or epilepsy please inform the school for an Action Plan, if you have not already done so. This is so that the school staff can manage your child’s medical condition appropriately whilst they are at school.
Anaphylaxis - Checklist for parents of students at risk:
• Tell the school administration if your child has been prescribed an adrenaline autoinjector (EpiPen), has experienced anaphylaxis, has any changes in allergies, and/or any other health care needs that may affect anaphylaxis management.
• Make sure your child carries an EpiPen in their bag and replace the device before it expires.
• Make sure your child knows how to use the EpiPen. Show his or her friends, brothers, and sisters if they are old enough to understand.
• Provide the school your child’s ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis completed and signed by your child’s doctor.
• Update the plan (including a photo of your child) when the EpiPens are renewed (usually every 12-18 months).
• Action Plans are available here. This helps the school to develop an Individual Health Care and Risk Minimisation Plan for your child.
• Educate your child about how to avoid known allergens (triggers). Remind your child to immediately tell someone if she/he feels sick whilst at school
Parents/Guardians if you have a child at the school that has Anaphylaxis can you please make sure that their Anaphylaxis Action Plan is updated every 12 - 18 months as this is the Department of Education policy.
Important Health Messages
Nutrition. Students are encouraged to eat a healthy breakfast prior to school.
Fluids. Students are encouraged to drink plenty of water (6-8 glasses per day), bring their own water bottles into school and not share their bottles.
Sleep. Growing children need 10 – 12 hours of sleep a night with no interruptions e.g. no TV, electronic gadgets – mobile phones, computer, games etc. in their bedroom at sleep time
School Bags. Look after your back! Students your bag should not weigh more that 10-15% of your body weight. If you have a backpack, you need to carry it on your back and shoulder straps on both shoulders supporting the load on your back.
Hats and Sun. Wear a hat if you are in the sun and apply sunscreen.
Hygiene. Shower daily (maybe twice a day in summer if required) and don’t forget to use soap on your body and shampoo your hair regularly. Use deodorant and don’t forget to brush your teeth twice a day after meals and at bedtime. Change your underwear and socks daily.
The School Health Service
The School Health Service aims to promote healthy development and wellbeing to help students reach their full potential. Students are better prepared for learning when they are healthy, safe, and happy. School Health Services provide an easy access point to health care for students. The school health nurse may carry out health assessments and provide information, advice, referrals, and support for students. The support encourages development of knowledge, skills, and behaviour, and encourages the young person to deal with their health issue(s) and make healthy lifestyle choices. Students can seek information, guidance, and support on issues such as illness, cultural or racism challenges, anxiety, stress, mental health, healthy eating, body image, grief, family problems, relationships, sexual health, and concerns about smoking, alcohol, and drug use.
There may be times when the school health nurse needs to share information with parents, guardians or certain others in the school community to provide support and care to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the young person. The school health nurse encourages and supports young people to talk to their parent or guardians about significant health issues.
Ambulance Cover
I strongly advise parents/guardians to have ambulance cover as an ambulance will be called in emergency situations and when deemed necessary. The school DOES NOT pay for this service. The cost of an ambulance in an emergency is approximately $1000. Please search private health insurance costs for ambulance cover to see the prices or search your policy to see if Ambulance Cover is included.
Parents/Guardians are strongly advised to keep the school posted about changes in their contact details.
Medication
Parents and students are reminded that the nurse is NOT allowed to give paracetamol or other medication to students. Parents/students are reminded that they can bring a dose of paracetamol to school to take if you have pain e.g. headache, period pain, toothache etc.
Updating Contact Details
Can families please ensure the school is notified as soon as possible if any contact details change? This includes home, mobile and emergency contact phone numbers and email addresses.
I look forward to meeting parents and students and wish you all a great year.
Mrs D. Kitak, School Nurse
Click below to access the survey page.
SPECIAL REPORT: The Wellbeing Barometer - 2025
The Wellbeing Barometer survey is an invaluable tool for schools, providing critical insights into the mental health and wellbeing of young people. This annual survey identifies areas of concern, highlights resilience and adaptability in students, and emphasises the importance of preventative strategies to promote positive outcomes.
Participation in this survey is strongly encouraged, as it offers a comprehensive view of students' experiences, challenges, and achievements. By capturing a detailed understanding of young people's experiences, the survey supports a tailored approach to enhancing their mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. It helps to identify strengths and areas for improvement, as well as pinpoint opportunities for early intervention.
The survey is part of an ongoing longitudinal study, and we encourage you to take a few moments to complete the survey for each of your children. Responses remain anonymous and should be based on your observations over the last 12 months. By working together, we can reduce the long-term impact of mental illness and make a meaningful difference to the lives of our young people for a brighter future.
The Special Report can be viewed here.
Kadampa Meditation Centre Workshop for Teenagers (ages 11-16)
Throughout 2025 Kadampa Meditation Centre is running four 2.5 hour workshops with guided meditation and practical tools to help teenagers navigate these challenges, increase their mental peace, build self-confidence, develop inner strength and create stronger and more meaningful connections.
Information on classes for adults can also be found via the KMC Perth website and information on future teen workshop topics is provided below for information.
Future Teen Workshop Topics
Sunday 4th May: How to Relax and Recharge
Sunday 17th August: How to Be a Good Friend
Sunday 19th October: How to Make a Positive Contribution to the World
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.