Ballajura Community College eNewsletter

Principal's Report

Welcome back to Term Two. I hope that everyone enjoyed the holiday break with their family and friends and that you were able to share in some family time. After a warm start to the year, we are starting to see a change and some very cool mornings and some much-needed rain.

ANZAC Day Commemorations

At the end of the holidays, the RSL hosted a wonderful ANZAC Day celebration followed by a Gunbarrel breakfast facilitated by members of CCY Inc. and the local junior football club. It was a great opportunity for the community to come together.

Upon return for the start of Term Two, we came together as a College community, supported by our Police Rangers and School Band, to celebrate ANZAC Day followed by a morning tea for the special and invited guests catered for by our Hospitality students. Led by Ms La Galia and our college Captains, the service was a testament to the wonderful students we have at the College and the level of respect shown for this important event. I sincerely thank all the staff and students who supported both events.

New Canteen Provider

We commenced the term with staff volunteers making toasties and sausage sizzles for the students before Kanga Café commenced operation as our new canteen provider. Thank you to the HASS, Student Services and Technologies teams for your support in this initiative.

Assessments and Exams

This is a very busy and somewhat stressful term as there are a range of important assessments and examinations taking place. These include the Year 12 General Externally Set Tasks (ETSs) during weeks 3 to 5, Semester One exams for Year 11 and 12 ATAR students during weeks 6 and 7, OLNA testing for Year 10 – 12 students during weeks 8 and 9, and Year 10 exams in week 8. We wish all students undertaking these assessments the best of luck, and I thank all staff involved in preparing, assessing and marking the student work in time for Semester One reports.

Community Events

19 May – 23 May was National Volunteer Week. On Monday 19 May, we celebrated the fantastic work of our volunteers with a morning tea provided by our Hospitality students. On Friday 23 May, CCY Inc. facilitated a sundowner for its board members, supporters and staff at the College where drinks and a sausage sizzle was provided. It was a great opportunity for staff and the community to come together in a social environment.

Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week

Sorry Day is celebrated annually on Monday 26 May, followed by National Reconciliation Week. This year, students have been participating in a range of classroom and break time activities, including the crafting of Sorry Day flowers. Thank you to our art teacher Liz Hancey for facilitating and developing these wonderful activities, and the Ed Support team in developing activities for our students. I sincerely thank all our staff for their commitment to reconciliation.

I hope you enjoy the many good news stories in this edition, and I thank the staff, students, families and community members for their ongoing commitment to the College.

Belinda Hall - Principal

Stay up-to-date with all the latest news from BCC - Like our Facebook Page!

Fostering Connections: Installation of Yarning Circles at Ballajura Community Garden:

Thank You Bunnings & Selleys!

There's a lot happening at the Ballajura Community Garden this week! A big thank you to Bunnings, Selleys, and their dedicated workers for coming together to create and build yarning circles within the garden. Led by Sam Mesiti and his team of volunteers, this project will be a wonderful addition to an already fantastic community initiative. It will provide a welcoming and special place for everyone - including BCC students - to sit and chat while enjoying the beauty of the garden.

ANZAC Day

The BCC community and special invited guests gathered in the Peace Park for a solemn service of remembrance on the 110th anniversary of ANZAC Day. The Whole School assembly was our way of honouring the service and sacrifice of the veterans and serving defence personnel. We showed our gratitude and pride as we paid respect to those who fought and paved the way for our freedom. We will continue to be inspired by the values of courage, mateship and sacrifice as we work together to build a more compassionate world.

Carmelina La Galia - Manager of Operations

Library News

Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May until 3 June, following on from National Sorry Day on 26 May. It is an important week in the Australian calendar.

Come check out the great resources in the library on the facts surrounding the Stolen Generation, First Nations’ fight for recognition and equality, and how we as a country can create a better future together.

Kim Forrester - Library Officer

Premier's Reading Challenge - 30 Days to Go!

We have launched into the last 30 days of the Premier’s Reading Challenge! Don’t forget to log your books weekly to be entered into the prize draws. All books need to be logged before 27 June 2025 to be counted in the challenge.

Looking for some reading inspiration?

Explore the wonderful world of books and reading with the Between the Pages podcast: Between our pages podcast - Premier's Reading Challenge

Kim Forrester - Library Officer

Study tips for those who have exams over the next few weeks

Kim Forrester - Library Officer

House Athletics Carnival 2025

On Friday April 11, we hosted our annual House Athletics Carnival! With fantastic weather, an electric atmosphere, and amazing student behaviour and participation, it was a day to remember for our entire school community. Congratulations to Aqua for going back-to-back in winning the carnival.

The final house standings were as follows:

1st – Aqua (2791 points)

2nd – Ignis (1943 points)

3rd – Aeris (1883 points)

4th – Terra (1880 points)

We also congratulate our Individual Champions for their outstanding performances:

Year 7:

Champion Boy – Drew Richmond (Ignis)
Champion Girl – Aria Princi (Terra)

Year 8:

Champion Boy – Tate Oldfield (Terra)
Champion Girl – Georgia Brkich (Aeris)

Year 9:

Champion Boy – Abas Al-Zayadi (Aqua)
Champion Girl – Indy Radzi (Aqua)

Year 10:

Champion Boy – Peter D'Souza (Aqua)
Champion Girl – Liana Bkrich (Aeris)

Year 11:

Champion Boy – Cameron Johnson (Aqua)
Champion Girl – Nikolina Ivaneza (Terra)

Year 12:

Champion Boy – Ethan Kean (Aqua)
Champion Girl – Phoebe Case (Aqua)

15-Year-Old High Jump Record Broken

A special congratulations to Year 10 student Youssif Mahna, who broke a 15-year-old school record in the high jump at the Athletics Carnival.

Congratulations Youssif!

Thank you to all staff, students, and families who made the day such a success. Bring on next year!

Tim Lloyd - Head of Department Health & Physical Education

This week marks a significant milestone in the 35-year history of Mary MacKillop Primary School, as it is Fr John’s final week before his retirement. On Wednesday May 28, the school hosted a special Mass and morning tea, bringing together past staff members, family, and parishioners to celebrate Fr John’s remarkable achievements. It is quite rare for a priest to remain in one community for such a long period, as they are typically reassigned every six years, making this occasion truly unique.

Fr John has played a pivotal role in uniting the Ballajura community through his involvement with Ballajura Community College over the past 30 years. He has officiated numerous functions, offering prayers and speeches for special events at the College.

Staff at BCC extend their heartfelt wishes to Fr John for a wonderful retirement.

Altitude Day

Some Year 9 and 10 Councillors attended the "Altitude" excursion at the Perth Town Hall today. They learnt about the value of leadership and reaching new heights because of it.

Adam Camuglia - Year 10 Coordinator/Mathematics Teacher

Leavers Jackets Online Ordering is NOW OPEN!

Don’t miss your chance to grab your official 2026 Leavers Jacket – the ultimate keepsake of your final year!

This is your moment to wear your school pride with style and celebrate the journey you've taken together.

🕒 Hurry – orders are open for a limited time only!

Once the window closes, that's it – no late orders!

Get in quick, customise your jacket, and make your final year unforgettable.

PLACING YOUR ORDER:

Go to www.westwear.com.au
Select ‘MY SCHOOL’ or use the search bar to find your school.
Select your school and leavers year
Enter your PASSWORD.
Place your order!
DELIVERY: Enter your school address.

SCHOOL NAME: Ballajura Community College 2026
PASSWORD: BCCL26

PLEASE NOTE: Select your product, size, and nickname carefully (nicknames will be checked by student services to ensure they are appropriate). Please get it right the first time as there are no refunds once you have placed the order. Online ordering will close firmly on Friday, June 13.

PRICE
Leaver Jacket: $123.50 INC GST
Polo: $38 INC GST

YEAR 11 & 12 SEMESTER ONE ATAR EXAMINATIONS and GENERAL/VET/IMPACT COURSE CATCH-UP

Dear Year 11 and 12 Parents/Carers,

Please note that Year 11 and 12 timetables will be suspended from Tuesday, June 3 until Wednesday, June 11, 2025 for Semester 1 ATAR exams and General Course /VET/IMPACT catch up sessions.

Please note that ATAR exams are compulsory and count towards semester marks and grades. Attendance will be taken at the commencement of every exam.

Students attending the optional catch-up sessions for General/VET or IMPACT Courses need to enter/exit the College and sign in/out at Student Services Reception.

The morning exams will commence at 8.45am and will finish no later than 12.00pm. The afternoon exams will commence at 12.35pm and will finish no later than 3.45pm. BCC Semester 1 timetables for Weeks 6 and 7 have been distributed to students, with specific dates and times for each exam and catch-up session. Please note that no allowance can be made for students who miss an examination through misreading the timetable. It may not be possible to reschedule a missed exam. Absences due to sickness or exceptional circumstances must be explained by a parent and a medical certificate.

All students should arrive at the examination centre, Ballajura Community College Learning Area 4, at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the examination. Students are advised to access www.scsa.wa.edu.au (publications) for all information in relation to examinations.

Exams can be a stressful and demanding time. The exams are designed to replicate the ATAR exams as much as possible. Students must remember to bring their photographic evidence (such as Driver’s Licence, Learner’s Permit or Smart Rider) as proof of enrolment. Students are also responsible for providing the necessary authorised equipment in a transparent pencil case to each exam. Students will not be admitted into the examination after the first half hour of working time. Students will not be allowed to leave the examination during the first hour of the working period, or during the final 15 minutes of the examination. All breaches of exam or school rules will be reported and may result in a loss of marks.

Normal timetable resumes at 8.45am for all Year 11 and 12 students on Thursday, June 12, 2025.

(Year 11 and 12 Physics students resume normal timetable from 12.30pm on Thursday June 12, 2025).

If the College can assist in any way during this demanding time, please do not hesitate to contact Mr James Garcia (Year 12 Coordinator), Mrs Sarah Shaw (Year 11 Coordinator) or myself.

On behalf of the College, I wish all students the best of luck with their Semester 1 exams and catch up sessions.

Carmelina La Galia - Manager of Operations

YEAR 10 SEMESTER 1 EXAMS

Dear Parents/Carers and Students,

Please be advised that the Year 10 Exams in the subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and HASS will be conducted on Wednesday, June 18 and Friday, June 20, 2025. Normal timetable will be suspended from Session 1 to 4 on both days. Students are expected to be at school by 8.45am and be present outside the allocated exam room in LA 4 to commence at 9.05am sharp on both days.

Normal timetable will resume after lunch and students will attend Session 5 classes as normal on both days.

Exam timetable and room allocations will be distributed to students via the PCG teacher. All exams are content-based, and it is expected your student will need to do some home study in preparation. Teachers will spend time making students familiar with the exam content and structure to ensure they are adequately prepared.

These Year 10 exams are important, and the results contribute to the Year 10 marks and grades.

The purpose of the Year 10 exam series is to:

Provide valuable practice in preparation to exam conditions prior to Year 11 and 12 studies

Provide an opportunity for students (and their teachers) to confirm their level of achievement in a credible and validated test/exam. This individual information can be used by students and parents to confirm subject choices in Year 11 where prerequisites may or may not have been demonstrated in the school assessment program.

Parents and students are reminded that students are expected to attend on the day of each exam and that they need to be punctual as the exams will start promptly at the beginning of each day. Please note that no allowance can be made for students who miss an examination session through misreading the timetable. It may not be possible to reschedule a missed exam.

In accordance with the College Assessment and Reporting policy, absences due to sickness or exceptional circumstances must be explained by a parent and medical certificate. Unauthorised absences, such as family holidays, may result in a mark of zero (0).

Parents should be aware that the exam period and days leading up to the exams can be stressful and demanding for all concerned. Please ensure students are at school every day prior to the exam period to revise course content and continue to prepare for the examinations. Any assistance you can offer your child to settle into a routine study pattern will help their results.

If you have any questions or concerns about the exam series, please don’t hesitate to contact Adam Camuglia (Year 10 coordinator), Mr Bevan Anthony (Head of Student Services) or myself.

On behalf of the College I wish all Year 10 students the best of luck with their exams.

Carmelina La Galia - Manager of Operations

Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (OLNA)

The OLNA enables students to successfully meet the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) requirement of demonstrating a minimum standard of literacy (reading and writing) and numeracy. The standard requires students to demonstrate proficiency in using a range of Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) - Level 3 skills in each component.

Testing rounds are held twice a year and students may only sit the assessment once in each round. They will have a total of up to six opportunities before the end of Year 12 to demonstrate the literacy and numeracy requirement. It is important to note that students must achieve a Level 3 across all three areas in order to achieve a Western Australia Certificate of Education (WACE).

The next opportunity for Year 11 and 12 students who have not yet demonstrated a Level 3 in one or more component, is in Week 8 and 9 of Term 2, starting on Monday 16 June 2025. (The next opportunity for Year 10 students will be in Term 3). A schedule, with all the relevant details of when your child will sit the assessment and what components (reading, writing and/or numeracy) require completion will be provided to your child via the PCG teacher, in the weeks prior to the testing window.

OLNA support sessions are also available in the Careers and VET Resource Centre, every Thursday during Session 5 with Mrs Angela Knight. Students also have access to OLNAWA logins for some sample and practice tests.

Should you have any further questions regarding this process, please do not hesitate to contact me at the school on 9262 7905, or alternatively, you can download the OLNA Information for parent/carers brochure, which is available online at http://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/assessment/olna/students-parents-carers

Carmelina La Galia - Manager of Operations

National Volunteer Week at BCC

National Volunteer Week is Australia's largest annual celebration of volunteering from 19-25 May 2025. It also coincided with P&C Day WA on 23 May.

The theme for this year is ‘Connecting Communities’.

Volunteer Week is an opportunity for us to recognise the diverse passions and talents that our volunteers bring to the College. We hosted a light luncheon in the College Restaurant for our volunteers on Monday 19 May 2025. It was a small gesture to show our appreciation of their time and effort.

Thank you to all BCC Volunteers!

Mrs Carmelina La Galia - Manager of Operations

Science News

Ballajura Science Students Shine at the Science and Engineering Challenge

In Week 3, a talented group of Ballajura Community College science students proudly represented our school at the Science and Engineering Challenge, hosted at Murdoch University. This national event, coordinated by the University of Newcastle and supported by the Rotary Club of Western Australia, Murdoch University, and The University of Western Australia (UWA), offers students the chance to apply science and engineering principles to hands-on, real-world challenges. Our students rose to the occasion with enthusiasm, teamwork, and innovative thinking — and their efforts were rewarded with some standout results.

A special congratulations to the Orange Team — Liana Brkich, Teaghan Richmond, Chelsey Hoggett, and Noor Hamden — who netted second place in the Fish Trap challenge. Their clever design and problem-solving strategies helped them hook an impressive result! Meanwhile, the Pink Team — Verity Haigh, Mozghan Shafai, Joanna Nguyen, and Shagana Tharmalingam — placed first in the Eco-Habitech challenge, with a creative and functional design that impressed judges with its innovation and sustainability.

The grand finale of the day was the Bridge Building Challenge, where the Silver team won gold! Riley Taylor, Anthony Vuona, Ryan Luu, and John Mencias constructed a record beating design that claimed first place in their category. With strength, precision, and collaboration, they may well have laid the foundations for future careers in civil or structural engineering!

Beyond these outstanding achievements, all students who attended showed exceptional teamwork, perseverance, and a passion for STEM. They approached each task with focus and enthusiasm, and we are incredibly proud of the way they represented Ballajura Community College. We also acknowledge Dr. Adil Asad and Ms. Chelsea Numan for their generous support and organisation in the lead-up to the event and on the day. Their guidance and encouragement were key to ensuring a smooth and successful experience for all involved.

The Science and Engineering Challenge is more than just a competition — it’s a valuable opportunity for students to explore future STEM pathways, develop practical skills, and build confidence in applying their scientific knowledge beyond the classroom. Congratulations once again to all students who participated. We look forward to seeing even more brilliant ideas take shape in next year’s challenge!

Dr Lucy Skillman - Head of Science

Year 8 STEM Assignment

Students from Ms Wyatt's Year 8 Science classes enjoyed making 3D models of cells, either animal, plant or fungi as part of a STEM project. Some students even baked cakes and decorated them to portray different parts of a cell.

ACCESS News

Six Year 10 students from the ACCESS program attended North Metropolitan TAFE in Balga for three days to complete a Building Try-A-Trade course. On Day 1, students learnt bricklaying skills and built a five-course brick wall. Plastering took place on Day 2, where students learnt about different types of plastering, including Venetian Plastering, and made their own small plaster wall with a brick pattern using different tools and techniques. On Day 3, the students learnt Tiling skills and used tile cutters and plans to make their own patterned wall. This Try-A-Trade was an excellent way for students to see if they have what it takes to work in the Building industry. Tiling was clearly the favourite of the three!

Mark Anderson - Career Practitioner

Careers & VET

Students Visit Roy Hill During Careers Week

During Careers Week, our Year 9, 11 and 12 students had the incredible opportunity to visit the Roy Hill Integrated Remote Operations Centre.

They were fascinated by the diverse range of careers available across Mining, Technology and other exciting industries, opening their eyes to future possibilities.

Students observed employees controlling drones, automated trucks and automated trains in the Pilbara mine from their Perth base. Students also participated in activities involving robotics, mining processes, business scenarios and environmental management in VR.

Each student that attended received a ‘Gold Ticket’ which they can use in future job opportunities at Roy Hill group to advance their application.
This ticket serves as both an induction and a testament to their understanding of Roy Hill.

At the conclusion of the excursion, Careers & VET teacher Mrs Ganz spoke with several students who reflected on how their career interests could align with a future in mining.

“I thought it was fascinating. What stood out to me was the living quarters and the high-quality facilities available to mining workers on-site. I would love to become a chef and cook meals for everyone at the mine site,” said Year 12 student, Toby.

Year 12 student Kate shared, “I am interested in becoming an environmental scientist, and this experience opened my eyes to the many opportunities in mining related to environmental science.”

Mark Anderson, Careers Practitioner & Anita Ganz, Careers & VET teacher

Ballajura Community College students were offered a range of activities in Week 2 this term. On Tuesday, seven industry representatives spoke to Year 10 students about emerging jobs and to advise students on what they can be doing now to be competitive for jobs or courses. Industries represented included Building & Construction, Health, Community Services and Hospitality & Tourism.

On Wednesday, Corporal Emma and Corporal Brent from the Australian Defence Force informed the Year 10s of pathways and career opportunities in the Armed Forces. Thursday was University Day – Each of the 5 WA Universities spoke to Year 10s about what a university course is and what options and pathways they can follow. On each of these days, the presenters setup ‘Pop-up Shops’ for Year 11 and 12 students to ask questions and collect information and course books.

On Friday, the University of WA delivered a presentation on ‘Work of the Future’ to Year 9 students. This workshop encouraged students to think about possible careers and the changing nature of work.

Mark Anderson - Career Practitioner

Our Year 11 and 12 Workplace Learning students, along with our Cert II Workplace Skills students, recently participated in an inspiring workshop designed to help them write winning resumes.

Linda Terrell from the Jobs and Skills Centre shared the latest strategies for resume updates, answered student questions, and provided valuable tips on how to stand out when applying for jobs.

The Jobs and Skills Centre, located at the Balga Campus of North Metro TAFE, is a fantastic resource available to all our students.

Anita Ganz - Careers and VET Teacher

VET in the Spotlight: BCC Graduating Students- WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Introducing Graduating Student from BCC in 2015 – ALAN ROWLAND

Since leaving BCC, Alan has been with Perth Radiological Clinic for nearly a decade, progressing through various roles that have shaped his skills and leadership abilities.

Alan’s roles have included being a Casual Marketing Assistant, Medical Receptionist, Senior Customer Supportive Representative, Team Leader and currently he is Patient Support Team leader in Recruitment and Training.

Across his various roles, Alan has consistently applied the skills and discipline he developed during his school years at BCC. He utilized the maturity gained through Police Rangers and Work Placements to navigate professional challenges with confidence. Alan believes the leadership experiences he had in school laid the foundation for his success today, providing lessons that continue to shape his approach in his current role.

He feels that Leadership has always been a calling for him and not driven by ego or status, but by a deep commitment to leading by example and empowering those around him.

Alan firmly believes that true leadership is built on accountability. He says a leader takes ownership for their team's collective successes and challenges, fostering an environment where unity is the foundation. He says that collective strength must always start at the top, setting the standard for the entire team to follow.

We are very proud of Alan Rowland, a wonderful Ambassador for BCC who continues to make a significant contribution to the community.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of our BCC graduates in upcoming newsletters.

Anita Ganz - Careers and VET Teacher

IMPACT

IMPACT Students Thrive in Workplace Learning Program

We are excited to announce that our IMPACT students are participating in a Workplace Learning program one day a week! This course provides students with real-world experience, bridging the gap between academic learning and career development.

Workplace Learning offers numerous benefits. Students gain real-world experience by applying classroom knowledge in practical settings, which helps them make informed career choices. They develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Additionally, students build professional relationships that can lead to future job opportunities. Learning becomes more relevant and exciting when applied to real-world scenarios, increasing student engagement. The program also allows students to explore different career paths and industries, helping them make more informed decisions about their future. Navigating a professional environment boosts their confidence, as they learn to take initiative, handle responsibilities, and adapt to new situations.

We look forward to seeing our students grow through this program. Stay tuned for more updates!

Gemma Novotny - HoD IMPACT

On Tuesday 13 May, 21 Year 12 ATAR Geography students visited Bold Park to conduct a sustainability study of the program, as part of the course’s fieldwork requirements. Students enjoyed conducting transects, quadrants and identifying flora and fauna of Perth’s largest urban remnant bushland. After the fieldwork, students were very hungry, so we headed to Cambridge International Food Court where students were able to purchase international cuisine of their choice. The behaviour and engagement of the Year 12 class was phenomenal, and they represented Ballajura Community College to the upmost standard. A great day!

Klara Gray - Humanities & Social Sciences Teacher