principaL's addreSS
Dear students, parents and guardians,
As Term 1 draws to a close, it’s been wonderful to see the many ways our students have engaged in learning, represented the school, and contributed to our vibrant community. From academics and sports to co-curricular activities and student leadership, this term has been full of energy and achievement. Our students have shown determination and focus in their learning. This term, Year 11 and 12 students completed OLNA assessments, while Year 7 and 9 students undertook NAPLAN. These assessments provide valuable insights into student progress and help guide teaching and learning throughout the year. Mathematics enthusiasts had a special reason to celebrate. Although Pi Day officially fell on a Saturday, we brought the celebration forward to 13 March. Students challenged themselves to memorise and recite at least 15 digits of Pi, with some impressive performances highlighting the joy of learning and mathematical curiosity. In sport, students proudly represented the school at the Interschool Swimming Carnival on 9 March and across three Interschool Cricket matches in February and March. Their skill, determination, and team spirit were outstanding, and we thank the staff who supported them. Beyond the classroom, students continued to develop confidence, leadership, and communication skills. On 11 March, our teams competed in Round 1 of the WA Debating League. The Year 7 and 8 Novice Teams were unstoppable, winning both of their debates, while the Junior Teams secured a win and narrowly missed victory in a close contest. The Senior Team’s debate was forfeited by Kelmscott, but their preparation and team spirit were evident throughout the evening. Student leadership shone during Summer Vibes on 6 March, organised by our Student Leaders with Mrs Dyson. The event created a lively and engaging atmosphere while raising over $1,000 in donations for the Cancer Council. A wonderful example of initiative, teamwork, and community spirit. In Week 4 and again on 11 March, we welcomed visiting students through the GOLD Japanese Exchange program in, giving students a meaningful chance for cultural exchange and global learning. Our School’s inclusive community was celebrated during the Multicultural Festival on 27 March, providing students the opportunity to share and learn about the many cultures represented at our school. Strong partnerships with families continue to support student success. On 25 March, parents and carers attended the Year 10, 11, and 12 Parent-Teacher Interviews, providing a valuable opportunity to discuss progress and pathways for the future. Jordan Berryman, a 2024 graduate, visited to share her gold-medal success in the Mixed 4 x 50m Medley Relay at the 2026 Para Swimming World Series Australia. Meanwhile, 2025 graduate Kirra Morrison spoke to our Certificate III AMA students about her pathway into nursing and shared advice for Year 12 students considering TAFE. These visits highlight the talent, ambition, and dedication fostered within our school community. It is always inspiring to hear from our alumni. As Term 1 concludes, I would like to thank our students, staff, and families for their continued commitment to our school community. Students will return for Term 2 on Monday, 20 April. Early next term, we will come together for a whole-school ANZAC assembly on Thursday, 23 April to honour and reflect on the service of those who have served our nation. I wish everyone a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable break, ready for another exciting term ahead.
Mr M. Paton, 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 guide on our website or follow the steps below:
URGENT CALL FOR HELP – P&C EXECUTIVES NEEDED
Following our recent AGM, where all Executive roles remain unfilled, we invite all interested parties to attend the P&C meeting now being held on Tuesday, 21 April at 6:00pm in the staffroom to fill these roles.
If these positions are not filled, the P&C cannot continue and we will be required to report this to the relevant authorities who will instigate wind-up activities. If however, nominations are received for a Secretary, Vice President and/or Treasurer, the P&C should be okay to proceed for another year.
The good news is that this is a well-run P&C with minimal time commitment and no fundraising required.
What’s at risk if the P&C closes?
- Reduced support for school resources, new equipment, and funding advocacy (approximately $50,000 a year).
- Loss of student programs and opportunities including White Card training, Debate Club, leadership camps, PERMAH, SchoolTV, chaplaincy & pastoral care.
- The Canteen and Uniform Shop are likely outsourced to third parties which may result in higher prices.
- By law, all P&C cash and assets will be gifted to the next closest school.
- P&C employees will no longer be employer (Canteen, Uniform Shop and Bookkeeper).
What's involved?
- 2 meetings per term ~1 hour each (possibly reducing to 1 meeting per term).
- There is a paid bookkeeper so the Treasurer focuses on online banking & payroll.
- Secretary handles minutes & correspondence.
- Vice President supports and can chair when needed.
- President chairs meetings, represents P&C on the school board (can be shared).
- President/Vice President authorise Treasurer’s transactions.
- Secretary & Treasurer roles can be combined (not preferred).
- NO FUNDRAISING. Funding comes from family P&C contributions & Canteen/Uniform Shop profits.
Why get involved?
If you get involved in the P&C you will play a role in:
- Helping decide how school funds are spent.
- Having face-to face discussions with the Principal.
- Appointing key roles as a P&C executive (e.g. canteen manager, bookkeeper).
If you value these services and opportunities for your children, now is the time to step up to ensure the P&C continues to support our school community.
Everyone is encouraged to attend the next P&C meeting on Tuesday, 21 April at 6pm and consider taking on a role. Your involvement truly matters. Without support, these programs and services will be lost.
If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please attend the next meeting or contact the P&C at: lshspandc@gmail.com
Mr E. Hellsten, P&C President
Leeming Senior High School Board Community Member – Expressions of Interest
Are you a retired community member with a passion for education? Leeming Senior High School Board is seeking your valuable experience to help guide our school’s future.
We are looking for:
- Retired community member.
- Commitment to students’ success.
- Strategic thinking and collaborative approach.
- Available for monthly evening board meetings.
- Willing to act in the schools’ best interest.
What’s Involved:
- 6-8 School Board meetings a year (approx. 2 hours per meeting).
- Contributing to school policy and planning.
- Commitment for a one-year term.
- Full training and support provided.
Interested? Please contact our Principal Mr. Matthew Paton directly at matthew.paton@education.wa.edu.au – no formal application needed at this point.
We are looking forward to hearing from you!
School Photo Day Reminder
School photos will be taken on Friday, 24 April. All students are required to wear their full school uniform on the day (sports uniforms are not permitted).
Families are reminded to place their photo orders before 24 April, directly through 3P Photography. Instructions on how to order have been provided below and to parents via a Compass notice.
If your child is absent on photo day, a catch-up session will be held on Friday, 1 May 2026. Please ensure all orders are completed on time and students are dressed appropriately for their photos.
Mrs P. Deeplaul, Student Services Officer
Applications for the Secondary Assistance Scheme are currently open for eligible students in Years 7 to 12.
To apply online, click the following link and open the 2026 Parent Information Package and complete the application form on page 16: Parent Links.
Please read the eligibility criteria and additional information and email the completed form to leeming.shs.@education.wa.edu.au with a photocopy of the front and back of your Health Care or Concession Card.
If you would prefer to complete it in person, you can receive an application form from our Finance Office and submit it directly to the team.
Please also ensure to have your child’s WA Student Number (WASN), student details, and your bank account info ready when completing the application.
All applications must be submitted by tomorrow, Thursday 2 April 2026.
PERMAH Wellbeing in Action: Learning to Flourish Every Day
At Leeming Senior High School, we are proud to continue embedding our Positive Psychology framework — PERMAH — across the school to support students to flourish both personally and academically. Grounded in the research of Professor Martin Seligman, PERMAH focuses on six key domains of wellbeing: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment and Health. These domains provide students with a shared language and practical skills to understand themselves, build resilience, and develop strong connections with others.
A key feature of our approach is the PERMAH diary, which plays an important role in helping students reflect on their learning, wellbeing and personal growth. The diary is not simply a record of homework or reminders; it is a purposeful tool that supports students to set goals, practise gratitude, reflect on challenges, and recognise achievements. Through regular use, students build self-awareness and learn strategies to support their wellbeing both inside and outside the classroom.
Importantly, students’ engagement with their PERMAH diary is recognised as part of our whole-school approach to wellbeing, with reflections contributing to reporting processes each semester. Teachers monitor student participation and the quality of reflections, providing feedback that supports growth in areas such as goal setting, resilience, self-awareness and positive relationships. This ensures that wellbeing is valued alongside academic progress and reinforces the importance of developing the whole child.
What makes our program unique is how the content of the PERMAH diaries is intentionally interwoven into the curriculum across all learning areas. Teachers explicitly connect classroom learning to PERMAH concepts so students can see the relevance of wellbeing skills in real-world contexts.
For example:
- In English, students explore character strengths, empathy and perspective when analysing texts and discussing diverse viewpoints.
- In Health and Physical Education, students learn about resilience, goal setting and the mind-body connection.
- In Humanities and Social Sciences, students examine meaning, purpose and ethical decision-making through real-world issues.
- In Science and Mathematics, students develop persistence, curiosity and problem-solving skills, reinforcing accomplishment and growth mindset.
- Across all subjects, collaboration tasks strengthen relationships and communication skills.
Through these deliberate connections, students come to understand that wellbeing is not a separate lesson — it is part of how we learn, think and interact every day.
Our staff continue to work collaboratively to ensure the PERMAH framework remains visible and meaningful in classrooms, assemblies and school events. Students are encouraged to apply these skills in their academic work, relationships and personal goals, helping them develop confidence, resilience and a strong sense of purpose.
We are proud of the positive culture that PERMAH helps foster at Leeming Senior High School, where wellbeing and learning go hand in hand. By equipping students with these lifelong skills, we are supporting them not only to succeed at school, but to thrive beyond it.
Ms N. Simms, Deputy Principal Year 11 & 12
Pi Day Celebrations: A Sweet Success!
Pi Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm, and the event was a huge success! On Friday, 13 March students lined up outside the Mathematics Block, proudly reciting 15 digits of pi to earn a delicious pi‑themed cookie as their reward.
Pi Day fun continued in classrooms across the school, with a range of engaging activities including pi colouring tasks, hands‑on investigations estimating the value of pi using circular objects, and interactive quizzes that challenged students’ mathematical thinking.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the Pi Digit Writing Competition, where students tested their memory and focus.
A special shoutout to our top performers who went above and beyond in writing down the digits of pi with astonishing accuracy: 🏆 Audrey H. - 114 digits 🥈 Mackenzie L. - 104 digits 🥉 Gauree K. - 59 digits Your dedication and love for numbers are truly inspiring!
Keep up the amazing work, and we look forward to even more mathematical feats next year.
Homework Club Reminder
A reminder that Maths Homework Club runs every Thursday in the Mathematics Block from 3:00–4:00 pm.
Homework plays a crucial role in helping students reinforce and deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts. Students are encouraged to make use of this valuable support opportunity and come along.
Mrs S. Kalra, HoLA Mathematics
Preparing for Mathematics Methods: New Year 10 Elective
In 2026, the Mathematics Department has introduced a Year 10 preparatory elective designed to support students intending to study Year 11 Mathematics Methods.
This elective aims to bridge the gap for students in mainstream classes who are considering Methods, while also offering extension opportunities for those already in STA classes. STA students will revisit selected optional curriculum content and deepen their application of key concepts.
A central focus of the course is the Mathematical Thinking Process, particularly mathematical modelling which uses mathematics to analyse, interpret, and make predictions about real-world situations.
When approaching modelling tasks, students learn to:
- Interpret the problem carefully.
- Identify assumptions and constraints.
- Evaluate the reasonableness of their solutions.
To develop their sense of scale and estimation, students recently completed the following challenge:
Can you rank these distances from smallest to largest?
- The distance you can hop in 5 seconds
- The distance from the top of a 6-storey building to the ground
- The distance from the penalty spot to the goal on a football field
- The distance a car can travel using 1 cm³ of fuel
What assumptions would you make? What calculations could justify your reasoning?
Looking ahead, students will apply the Mathematical Thinking Process to the study of probability. This includes analysing real-world scenarios involving two- and three-stage chance experiments, both with and without replacement, as well as developing an understanding of conditional probability.
If applying mathematics to real-world situations sounds appealing, students are encouraged to speak with their Mathematics teacher about whether the Methods Preparation Elective is the right pathway for them.
Mrs T. McMinn, Mathematics Teacher
A Rising Theatre Star Emerges
The Performing Arts Department are delighted to congratulate Year 10 student, Sophie W. on her outstanding achievement in being accepted into the Western Australian Youth Theatre Company. This prestigious program offered only 20 ensemble places this year, making Sophie's selection a remarkable accomplishment.
Her dedication, creativity, and passion for the performing arts have truly set her apart. Sophie has consistently impressed with her talent and commitment, both on and off the stage. We are incredibly proud of her success and look forward to seeing her continue to grow and shine in this exciting opportunity.
Congratulations, Sophie, on this well deserved achievement.
Mrs H. Pritchard, Drama Teacher
Cue the Champions: Year 10 Pot Black Tournament Thrills!
The Year 10 Physical Recreation class participated in a Pot Black tournament over four weeks where they honed their skills at the Pot Black Family Pool and Snooker Centre in Cannington.
The eventual overall winners were Michael L. and Aiden S., winning 17 of their 19 matches! Some highlights were Michael and Aiden with a 17-game winning streak, and Jake B. and Andrew F. ending the winning streak.
The camaraderie amongst the group was high and the sportsmanship displayed made for a successful few weeks in the recreation space for this class.
Mr M. Cram, Health and Physical Education Teacher
Strong Start for Senior School Mock Trial Team
After weeks of hard work, regular practice sessions, and steadily building confidence as a team, our Senior School Mock Trial students stepped into the courtroom on Tuesday, 24 March and delivered an outstanding start to the season. Their commitment over the term was evident, resulting in a decisive first-round win at the Supreme Court of WA.
Representing the prosecution in a criminal case involving an alleged assault, the team presented clear and well-reasoned arguments. More importantly, they demonstrated just how far they have come, not only in their understanding of legal processes, but in their confidence, teamwork, and ability to think on their feet under pressure.
It has been a pleasure to watch their progress throughout the term, and they should feel proud of the way they represented the school. We look forward to seeing how they continue to develop and perform in the rounds ahead.
Mr M. Mortera, HASS Teacher
The term has passed very quickly with students starting to borrow holiday reading. Manga and Graphic Novels are still very popular with all year levels.
ePlatform ebooks at Leeming SHS
eBooks are becoming increasingly popular worldwide – particularly as they are accessible every day 24/7 from at home or at school – on your own device. ePlatform is especially good when students have a request for a book as we can upload it straight away. Students are able to borrow the eBook and be reading it within 5 minutes. How to borrow eBooks and access databases subscribed to by the school
- School Portal (https://portal.leeming.wa.edu.au)
- Type in the school security password (Available on posters in the Library)
- Click on the database you wish to access, entering listed username/password. (All databases have the relevant access username/password written on tab)
STUDY SKILLS HANDBOOK and STUDY SAMURAI LIBRARY join forces at Leeming SHS.
Leeming SHS is also a subscriber to the combined study skills and well-being website – which is available to all students This is a website with 3 online resource sets that help students develop essential skills for academic success and positive mindset. There are units of work on topics such as improving time management skills, how to study, research skills, summarising, technology use, brain and memory as well as topics like managing stress, growth mindset, goal setting, motivation and positive thought habits. How to access the Study Samurai eLibrary database
- School Portal (https://portal.leeming.wa.edu.au)
- Library eResources > Type in the school security password (Available on posters in the Library)
- Click on Study Skills & Samurai
- Enter school username (leemingshs) and the password is 77success
Year 7 Study Smarter Sessions
Study Smarter Sessions after school on Monday are open to all Year 7 students. The focus this term has been organisation skills both at school and at home. Have a wonderful break and don’t forget to select a book or an ebook to read and relax.
Ms C. Steel, Teacher Librarian
No Easy Way to Success
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” – Thomas Edison
The local skate park garden was a mess of shrubs and high weeds. The business owners in the area offered a letter of recommendation to anyone who cleared it over school holidays On Monday, twenty students showed up. They felt the blistering sun and the heavy shovels. By Tuesday, only five were left. By Wednesday, it was just Dave.
His friends teased him from the air-conditioned Macca’s across the street. "You’re spending your whole holidays playing in the dirt for a piece of paper? That’s not an opportunity, Dave, that’s a chore."
Dave didn't argue. He just kept digging. He spent the week covered in sweat and soil, his hands calloused and his back aching. He looked exactly like the quote: dressed in overalls and doing hard work.
On Friday, as Dave pulled the last stump, he found a rusted metal box buried deep in the roots. Inside wasn't gold, but a collection of vintage, hand-drawn botanical maps of the town from the 1920s.
The local museum bought the maps for a small fortune, but more importantly, the story hit the local news. A high-end landscaping firm saw the footage of Dave’s solo effort and offered him a paid apprenticeship on the spot.
His friends, still sitting in Maccas, called him "lucky." Dave just looked at his dirty overalls and smiled. He knew the opportunity had been there for everyone—it just didn't look like a winning lottery ticket; it looked like a pile of weeds.
Carl, the Chaplain
School Health Update
As we approach the Easter break and upcoming school holidays, we wish all students and families a safe, happy and healthy break. We look forward to seeing everyone back in Term 2.
Flu Season – Be Prepared
With winter approaching, we encourage families to consider annual flu vaccination.
- The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends flu vaccination for anyone aged 6 months and over.
- Children and adults with certain medical conditions (e.g. heart, lung or kidney disease, weakened immune systems) are eligible for free flu vaccination under the National Immunisation Program.
- Flu can cause serious illness in children, even those without underlying conditions.
- It takes up to two weeks after vaccination for protection to develop and immunity lasts about 12 months.
Flu vaccines are available through GPs and immunisation clinics. Parents are reminded to keep students at home if they are unwell with flu‑like symptoms to help protect the school community. More information available here.
Medical Conditions & Action Plans
If your child has, or develops, a medical condition such as asthma, anaphylaxis, diabetes or epilepsy, please ensure the school has an up‑to‑date Action Plan.
- Contact Administration if you have not already provided one.
- Anaphylaxis Action Plans must be updated every 12–18 months, in line with Department of Education policy.
- Please provide a current ASCIA Action Plan, including a recent photo.
- Action Plans are available here.
Student Services & Health Centre Access
- Students feeling unwell should report to Student Services first and log in with Admin/Attendance staff.
- Students will be assessed, and parents contacted if required.
- The Health Centre is available before school, recess, lunch and after school for non‑urgent matters.
- Class time visits are for emergencies only (e.g. asthma, anaphylaxis, bleeding, severe pain).
- Appointments to see the nurse can be arranged if needed.
Head Lice Reminder
Parents are asked to:
- Check hair regularly using conditioner and a fine‑tooth nit comb
- Tie long hair back
- Avoid sharing brushes or combs
- Notify the school if your child has head lice
More information here.
Deodorant Sprays
A reminder that aerosol deodorant sprays are not permitted at school due to asthma risks.
- Please provide roll‑on or pump deodorant instead.
- Spray deodorants will be confiscated.
World Sleep Day
World Sleep Day was held on 13 March, supported by the Community Nurse. Students received information highlighting the importance of sleep for learning, mood and wellbeing.
Useful App to support sleep: Sleep Ninja
Parent Support Services
Free one‑on‑one professional coaching is available for parents and carers of teens (12–18 years) through ReachOut Australia. Support is available for concerns such as:
- Anxiety and depression
- School refusal
- Communication difficulties
- Alcohol and drug use
- Self‑harm
- Bullying
- Gender and identity concerns
More information available here.
Black Swan Street Doctor Service
Please note the good news that Black Swan Street Doctor will still be operating at the Police & Community Youth Centre (PCYC) in Hilton. The truck will be parked in the nearest bay to the PCYC main entrance.
The operating times are from 12:30 - 3:00pm on Wednesdays. The service time will extend to 3:30pm, once the doctor finalises other commitments. This service is available to ALL members of the community, and 100% bulk billed and on a first come first served basis. I would like to add that you are more than welcome to be referred to our service. Please click this link, should you need any other information about the service.
Mrs D. Kitak & Mr T. Owen-Davies, School Nurses
Wellbeing Barometer Survey 2026
Supporting the wellbeing of our students is a shared priority for both families and our school community. One way we strengthen this partnership each year is through the Wellbeing Barometer Survey, an annual check-in that helps build a clearer understanding of the wellbeing of our students. The survey, developed by SchoolTV, provides valuable insights into young people’s experiences. It highlights areas of concern, recognises strengths and resilience, and reinforces the importance of early, preventative support for students and families. For 2026, the survey has been reviewed and refreshed to further refine the information shared by parents and carers. These updates aim to provide a clearer and more meaningful overview of wellbeing trends across school communities while maintaining the same commitment to privacy and confidentiality. Families are encouraged to take a few minutes to complete the survey for each of their children, reflecting on your observations over the past 12 months. All responses are anonymous and results are reported only in aggregate form. While the survey is provided through SchoolTV, the insights gathered help inform how our school understands and responds to the evolving needs of our students. The information helps identify emerging trends, recognise areas of strength, and highlight opportunities for early support. If any of the topics raised in the survey prompt concerns about your child’s wellbeing, please contact the school or seek advice from a qualified health professional.
Understanding Consent and Respectful Relationships
As children and young people grow, their understanding of relationships, boundaries and respect continues to develop. Learning about consent is not just a single conversation, but an ongoing process shaped by everyday experiences, social influences and guidance from trusted adults. While these discussions can sometimes feel challenging, they play an important role in helping young people build safe, healthy and respectful relationships. Consent extends beyond sexual relationships. It is closely connected to communication, empathy and mutual respect in all interactions. In today’s social and digital environments, young people can encounter complex situations that require a clear understanding of boundaries and the confidence to respond appropriately. Providing consistent, age-appropriate messages at both school and home helps reinforce what respectful behaviour looks like in practice. When children hear similar messages from the important adults in their lives, they are better able to understand expectations and apply them in real-world situations. Families are encouraged to approach this topic through calm, open conversations at home. When schools and families work together to reinforce shared values around respect, communication and personal boundaries, young people are better equipped to make informed decisions and build positive relationships now and into the future.
Responding to Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is a normal part of growing up. As children and adolescents place greater importance on friendships and a sense of belonging, the influence of peers can play a significant role in shaping their choices, behaviour and developing sense of identity. While peer influence can often be positive, it can also create pressure to conform or take risks, particularly during the teenage years. In today’s digitally connected world, peer pressure is not limited to face-to-face interactions. Social media and online communication can expose young people to constant comparison and unspoken expectations about how they should look, behave or succeed. These influences can make it more challenging for young people to stay confident in their own choices. Understanding how peer pressure operates—both online and offline—can help families support their children in navigating these challenges. Open conversations at home, combined with encouragement to think critically and stay connected to their own values, can help young people build resilience, make healthy decisions and develop confidence in themselves.
Sprint Orienteering Comes to Campus
On Sunday, 22 March, our school proudly hosted an exciting series of sprint orienteering races in partnership with Orienteering WA. The event showcased our campus in a new and engaging way, thanks to a detailed orienteering map created by Mr. Braid. This map will soon become a valuable resource in both HASS and Outdoor Education classes, giving students the opportunity to build navigation and problem-solving skills right here at school.
The racecourses were designed by current Leeming student Rohan B., highlighting the talent and initiative within our student community. It was also wonderful to see several past students returning to be involved in the event, contributing their experience and enthusiasm.
If orienteering sounds like something you’d enjoy, Orienteering WA runs events on most weekends for people of all ages and abilities. Events take place across a variety of locations, including school campuses, urban areas, and bush settings. To find out more, visit https://wa.orienteering.asn.au/
Mr G. Braid, President of OWA and Event Controller
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.