Ballajura Bulletin Term 1 Issue 2 2025

Principal's Report

Happy 30th Birthday Ballajura Community College

This term has ended on a high note after a raft of enjoyable, exciting and milestone events. This year Ballajura Community College celebrates it’s 30-year anniversary following the opening of the College in 1995. Thank you to all current and past staff and students, and families who attended the celebration.

Harmony week

We celebrated Harmony Week as a College with fun and exciting activities for staff, students and families, especially our EID Festival where we were treated to homemade treats from our local Muslim community. It was such a wonderful week with music, dance and great food.

3 v 3 Basketball

We hosted our annual 3 v 3 Basketball tournament with representation from each of our local intake primary schools. Congratulations to the girl’s team from Ballajura Primary School and the boy’s team from Illawarra Primary School for winning their respective titles.

Annual report

The 2024 Annual Report has been released and showcases the many successes we have achieved as a College Community. Click on link to review report: School Reports Ballajura Community College

NAPLAN

The Year 7 and Yea 9 student participated in the annual NAPLAN online testing during the term. Thank you to all staff involved in the planning and preparation of the tests. The students performed diligently through the testing period.

Photos

The year group and individual photos were completed this term and will be available to families for purchasing soon.

Engage, Explore, Inspire: Reporting Open day

Thank you to all families who attended the College open day on Tuesday, March 11. It was lovely to see so many families getting involved on the day. We look forward to this format becoming an annual event in the College.

College Board and Parents and Citizens Group

Thank you to all parents and community members for your continued support of the College through our Board and P&C. The number of parents and community members involved in the College continues to grow and is a wonderful sign of the support from our community.

Athletics Carnival

On Friday, April 11 we hosted our annual Athletics Carnival. It was wonderful to see students and staff engaging in the range of exciting activities and supporting their houses with pride.

Updating College Website

At the start of Term 2, our college website will be getting a facelift. We have aimed to provide you with new and updated information along with a smoother and easier to navigate platform. Thank you to our marketing team and staff for the fantastic work in delivering this fantastic update.

Facebook Page exploding with traffic

With all of the wonderful activities occurring throughout the college, our Facebook page has been an ongoing display of photos and videos showcasing our wonderful student. Make sure to join our BCC Facebook page to stay up to date with all the successes of our students.

Wishing all College Community a safe and relaxing school holiday break

We wish all students, staff, families and community members a relaxing and enjoyable holiday break and look forward to seeing you all in Term 2.

Belinda Hall - Principal

Ballajura Community College 30th Anniversary Celebrations

BCC turns 30!

On Thursday April 6, back in 1995, Ballajura Community College celebrated the official opening of the new school.  So, it was very timely that we recently celebrated the 30^th Anniversary with various events.

Drone photo

Thanks to all the students and staff involved in the creation of the drone video and photo. It was a massive undertaking to fit ALL the students and staff into the letters B C C. Special thanks to Mrs Sarah Shaw and Mr Christos Doudakis for their time and effort in planning the event, rehearsing with small groups of students and editing the video.  The final product was launched at the official ceremony on Thursday. Keep your eye on our socials to see the entire BCC community in one photo.

Official ceremony

On Thursday 3 April, we gathered as a community of past and present members to celebrate 30 years of Ballajura Community College. We welcomed back past Principals, Deputy Principals, College Captains and other special guests to join us in a walk down memory lane from 1995 - 2025. During the Whole School Assembly, our special guests were acknowledged for their leadership and impact during their time.

We acknowledged Mr Ray Roberts as the only foundation staff member still on campus. He has had a very positive influence on many students in his various roles as Teacher, Head of Department of the College ACCESS Program, Police Rangers Coordinator and Head of Student Services for Years 11 & 12.  As a school community, we are very grateful for his commitment and dedication over the last 30 years.

To conclude the assembly, the Year 12 Music students led us all in singing Happy Birthday while Principal Belinda Hall cut the cake as the confetti cannons exploded.

Following the assembly, our Year 12 Hospitality students, under the guidance of Miss Samara Burgess, catered and served morning tea and birthday cake in the College Restaurant as our special guests reminisced with photos, footage and memorabilia. It was a whole school celebration filled with reflection and pride as we relived old memories, reunited colleagues and celebrated all that BCC means to so many.

Staff reunion

On Saturday 5 April, there was a social gathering of past and present staff members. The Staff Reunion was a great opportunity to relive old memories, rekindle friendships and unite colleagues.

BCC has made us all colleagues but our dedication, commitment and passion to education has made us all good friends. Over the past 30 years, many staff members have left and will continue to leave their footprints in the heart of BCC.

Thank you to everyone involved in the recent celebrations.  It was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the journey of the past 30 years.  Celebrating such a significant milestone for the College is always a special time for the entire College Community.

Happy Birthday BCC!

Carmelina La Galia - Manager of Operations

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Staff Member Ray Roberts Celebrates 30 Years at BCC

We celebrate and acknowledge the remarkable contributions of a truly dedicated member of Ballajura Community College, Mr Ray Roberts. For the past 30 years, Ray has been an integral part of BCC, wearing many hats and leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless students and colleagues. 

Ray's journey with BCC began when the College first opened its doors. Over the years Ray was a classroom teacher, Head of Department, acting Deputy Principal and is currently the Head of Student Services for Years 11 & 12. He has been instrumental in guiding our students through some of the most pivotal years of their education.  

One of Ray's most significant contributions has been the initiation of the ACCESS program, which provided an alternative learning course for students. This program has been a lifeline for many, offering them a chance to engage with education in a way that best suits their needs. It is no surprise that Ray was honoured as Teacher of the Year in 2007, a testament to his dedication and impact. 

Ray's legacy extends beyond the classroom. His involvement with our Police Rangers unit for 25 years is a source of immense pride. Under his management, the unit has produced countless great leaders who have given back to the community in numerous ways. The College's name has appeared on many shields as winners of statewide competitions, and our students have represented us at significant events such as ANZAC Day marches and WA Day celebrations. Ray's efforts have also fostered international connections, hosting students from overseas units and enriching our community. 

Congratulations to Ray for his incredible service and commitment for 30 years of service at Ballajura Community College.

Carmelina La Galia - Operations Manager 

Wall of Fame 2025

Harmony Week Events

Eid Festival 2025

BCC Eid Festival 2025 at Ballajura Community College! What a vibrant celebration we had today at recess time! The school community came together to mark this special occasion with joy, togetherness, and lots of delicious food. Our event kicked off with an inspiring speech by our Principal, setting the tone for the festivities. The highlight of the day was an engaging quiz competition, bringing out the best of our students and parents' knowledge. Congratulations to the quiz winners who received some wonderful gifts! A big shoutout to our amazing parents for generously bringing in a variety of food - it was truly a feast to remember! The food was enjoyed by everyone - students, staff, and parents alike—fostering a true sense of community spirit. Days like these remind us of the values of respect, equity, and celebration of diversity that our school holds dear. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the Eid Festival so memorable. 

Mohammad Mortoja Hasan - Islamic/Muslim Cultural Liaison Officer 

Eid Festival

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Harmony Day - Cultural Dress Day

On Friday 4 April many students proudly showcased their vibrant traditional attire, celebrating the rich cultural diversity of our community on Harmony Day 2025 at BCC.

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Harmony Week Futsal Showdown 

What a game! Hundreds of students packed the gym at recess to watch an electrifying futsal match between Team Africa and The World Team. The energy was unreal, the skills were on full display, and the spirit of the game was truly alive! With just a minute left on the clock, Jaydee Smith stepped up and sealed the win for Team Africa with a clutch goal! A fantastic display of talent, teamwork, and the “world game” bringing us all together. This is what Harmony Week is all about! 

James Garcia - Year 12 Coordinator & Health & Physical Education Teacher

The Year 5/6 3v3 Basketball Blitz

The Year 5/6 3v3 Basketball Blitz returned for its second year on Friday 28 March and featured local primary schools vying for the 2025 Basketball Champions title! The girls' team from Ballajura Primary School and the boys' team from Illawarra Primary School emerged victorious. It was an incredible day filled with excitement, and all the students were thrilled to participate in the blitz.

Community Spirit Shines: CCY Generously Donates to BCC's Art Beautification Projects

Community Connecting Youth (CCY) generously donated $4000.00 to BCC for Indigenous art beautification around the College and Community Garden. The funds will be used for a variety of initiatives, including the installation of new art pieces and garden enhancements. CCY fundraised by way of holding a number of sausage sizzles within the community. Thank you to Sam Mesiti and CCY for their kind donation!

Year 7 Super Starters Award Assembly

Year 7 Super Starters Award Assembly day we celebrated an incredible start to high school for many of our Year 7 students! It was wonderful to welcome caregivers, primary school representatives, and our BCC staff to honour these students for their positive engagement and academic success. Certificates were presented to students who were nominated by classroom teachers, and we also proudly introduced our 2025 Year 7 Student Council team. A fantastic event full of pride and promise — we’re so excited about all the amazing things our new Year 7s are already achieving!

Ashlyn MacLeod - Head of Student Services Years 7 & 8

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Year 9 Students - Custodians of the Ballajura Peace Park

With ANZAC Day approaching, Mr Michael Clarke, a long-time member and President of the Ballajura RSL Sub-Branch, guided a group of Year 9 students through the Ballajura Peace Park. He explained the park's origins and its significance in commemorating those who served. These students will act as custodians of the park for the next year, working with the College administration to ensure it remains well-maintained. They learned about the importance of the water feature and rotating ball, the columns symbolising poppies and "Lest We Forget", as well as the significance of the olive trees, rosemary, and remembrance plaques within the park. The students were each awarded with special RSL Community Link badges as part of their involvement as a custodians of the Peace Park.

Careers & VET News

Exciting Achievement for Year 11 IMPACT Student at Ballajura Community College

We are thrilled to announce that one of our Year 11 IMPACT students, Lilly-Anne McLean-Murcutt, has been selected as a successful candidate for the Westrac School Based Traineeship. This prestigious opportunity is a testament to Lilly-Anne's dedication and hard work. Lilly-Anne underwent a rigorous selection process, which included a series of applications, interviews, and extensive preparation. Her commitment and perseverance have truly paid off, allowing her to secure a place in a highly competitive field of students.

Throughout this journey, Lilly-Anne received invaluable support and guidance from the VET Team, who helped her prepare for each stage of the process. Their collaboration and Lilly-Anne's determination have led to this outstanding achievement.

We are incredibly proud of Lilly-Anne and look forward to seeing her continue to excel in her traineeship with Westrac.

Congratulations, Lilly-Anne!

Gemma Novotny - Head of Department Careers & VET

Ballajura Community College VET Program 2025

This year, over 180 students are participating in our VET program, gaining industry-specific skills and knowledge in their chosen fields. This initiative helps pave the way for students to obtain nationally recognised qualifications and career pathways.

Our students will gain access to a variety of industries, including Construction, Health, Engineering, Hospitality, Integrated Technologies, Arts, and Education. A crucial part of their training is ensuring they are job-ready and understand the day-to-day requirements, including being equipped with the right workwear, such as Steel Blue, to get the job done.

We are proud of the positive start our students have had in their courses so far this year

Gemma Novotny - Head of Department Careers & VET

Vocational Education Training Delivered to Secondary Students (VET DSS)

As we progress through the year, it's wonderful to see our VET DSS students excelling in their courses. The dedication and enthusiasm shown by our students are truly commendable.

Courses for 2025

Our students are engaged in a wide range of courses, including:

• Certificate II in Building & Construction
• Certificate II in Community Health & Wellbeing
• Certificate II in Civil Construction
• Certificate III in Engineering (Technical)
• Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-Apprenticeship)
• Certificate IV in Preparation for Health and Nursing Studies
• Certificate III in Design Fundamentals
• Certificate III in Makeup
• Certificate II in Furniture Making
• Certificate III in Screen and Media
• Certificate II in Animal Care
• Certificate II in Integrated Technologies
• Certificate II in Salon Assistant
• Certificate III in Music
• Certificate III in Fitness
• Certificate IV in Dance
• Diploma of Dance

These courses provide valuable industry skills and knowledge, preparing our students for successful careers in their chosen fields.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) in schools plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between education and industry. It equips students with practical skills and real-world experience, making them job-ready and highly competitive in the workforce.

Year 10 Pathways and Career Counselling

For our Year 10 students, ensuring a successful VET pathway is essential. Upcoming career counselling sessions and subject selections will help guide students in making informed decisions about their future. These sessions are a great opportunity to explore various career options and align their interests with suitable VET courses.

VET DSS Applications for Term Three

Applications for VET DSS courses will open in Term Three. Some courses are highly competitive, so we encourage students to prepare early and seek guidance if needed. The VET department is here to assist with any information or support required.

Contact Information

For more information or assistance, please contact:

• Gemma Novotny: gemma.novotny@education.wa.edu.au
• Mark Anderson: mark.anderson@education.wa.edu.au

We are proud of our students' achievements and look forward to seeing their continued success throughout the year.

Careers & VET Team

White Card Training

In Week eight 14 students successfully completed their White Card training. This is a significant achievement, and we are very proud of their hard work and dedication.

The White Card is an essential certification for anyone wishing to work in the construction industry in Australia. It demonstrates that the holder has completed the necessary training to understand workplace health and safety requirements, including how to identify and manage risks on a construction site. Throughout the training, the students exhibited exemplary behaviour and a strong commitment to learning. Their positive attitude and willingness to engage with the material were commendable and contributed to a productive and supportive learning environment.

We are confident that this certification will be an asset for the students as they pursue future opportunities in the construction industry.

Congratulations on this accomplishment.

Gemma Novotny - Head of Department Careers & VET

IMPACT Engagement & Transition Program - Term 1 Highlights

As we near the end of Term 1, it's heartening to reflect on the incredible progress our students have made in the School Engagement and Transition Program, IMPACT. The enthusiasm and dedication shown by our students have been truly inspiring.

We are thrilled to report that several students have successfully transitioned out of the program into apprenticeships, marking a significant milestone in their career journeys. Additionally, many students have applied for courses commencing in Term 2, demonstrating their commitment to furthering their education and skills.

Several of our students are actively working towards gaining employment, both part-time and full-time. Their determination and hard work are commendable, and we are confident they will achieve their goals.

Our students have been diligently working on their Certificate II in Workplace Skills and the positive feedback from employers supporting our students in their Workplace Learning has been incredibly encouraging. It is a testament to the quality of our program and the dedication of our students.

It's wonderful to see our students making good use of the kitchen, preparing their own meals, and enjoying the student lounge and table tennis table. These facilities provide a great environment for relaxation and social interaction, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.

As we look forward to the rest of the year, we are excited to continue supporting our students in their educational and career pathways. We are proud of their achievements so far and are eager to see what they will accomplish next.

IMPACT Team

Year 9 Career Taster at Stanley College 

Last Friday we had 12 students attend a Childcare Career Taster at Stanley College, Mirrabooka. The students participated in theoretical training on the topic of childhood development by the Stanley College trainers. In the afternoon, the BCC students participated in art, craft and textural activities which they can apply in childcare and community services settings.

Mark Anderson - Career Practitioner

bstreetsmart Excursion

Since 2012 The RAC have sponsored this important event, bstreetsmart, at the RAC arena for students in Year 10 to 12. This year, 2025, 16 of our Year 12 students in the BCC IMPACT program attended this event. These students found the event to be both informative and thought provoking and were privileged to be amongst nearly 8000 Perth school students. bstreetsmart is an event that will not be forgotten and the students will take the messages and lessons learned from this experience into their future as we aim to make our roads safer for everyone.

RAC bstreetsmart features a crash scene re-enactment attended by the emergency services, just as it would occur at a real crash site. The students also have the opportunity to listen to the personal stories of speakers who have been directly impacted by road trauma and talk with emergency services personnel. Students had the opportunity to engage with emergency services personnel and learn more about road safety.

As young drivers are one of the most vulnerable groups on our roads, and the transition to unsupervised driving after obtaining a license is particularly dangerous, the messages learnt from this experience are so important.

Statistics show that 122 people aged 17-19 are killed or seriously injured annually on WA roads (2019–2023 average), 17-19 year old drivers have the highest rate of death or serious injury than any other age group, and for 17–19 year olds', around 55 per cent of fatal and serious injuries in WA are males. Some research suggests crash risk is typically highest in the first 12 months of a Provisional licence.

The key risk factors which lead to these statistics include lack of experience in safe decision making, overconfidence and risk-taking behaviour. Young drivers, especially males, may underestimate dangers and overestimate their abilities. Peer influence is also a factor as carrying passengers increases the likelihood of risky driving and crashes. New WA laws restrict red P-platers to only carry one passenger, unless an exemption applies.

Sandra Szopski - Year 12 IMPACT teacher

Wellness & Harmony Day Event at Cyril Jackson Senior Campus

On Wednesday 9 April  our Year 11 Health Studies students attended the Wellness and Harmony Day Event held at Cyril Jackson Senior Campus. The event featured a wide range of interactive stalls focused on promoting physical and mental wellbeing. Students had the chance to connect with their peers, explore practical strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and gather valuable resources on a variety of health topics. The day was not only informative but also inspiring, giving students plenty of ideas and insight as they begin planning their own Health Expo in Term 3. A big thank you to Cyril Jackson for hosting such a positive and engaging event!

Sarah Shaw - Year 11 Coordinator & Physical Education Teacher

Science News

ECO Houses

Students from Ms Wyatt's 8.2 and 8.3 classes have been actively engaged in building ECO energy-efficient houses as part of their STEAM Physics activity. They delivered outstanding projects using recycled materials and solar panels, incorporating energy-efficient features powered by solar, water, and wind. Some houses also featured energy-efficient interior fittings, windows, verandahs, gardens, water tanks, windmills and a working pump to provide electricity.

The winners are: 

• • First Place          -  Shaun Daroya and Amber Box
  • Second Place     -  Amalia Holt and Keisha Dizon
  • Third Place         -  Aaliyah Nguyen and Kelzang Selden

Annette Wyatt - Science Teacher

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STEM

Solar Cars Challenge at St Mark's

On March 25, four of our students represented Ballajura Community College at the 2025 Synergy Schools Solar Challenge, held at St Mark’s Community School in Hillarys. Competing against students from schools across Perth, our team designed, tested, and raced their own solar-powered cars in a fun and fast-paced event. It was a fantastic opportunity to put STEM skills into action, with plenty of learning, problem-solving, and teamwork on display. A huge thanks to Mr. Majekodunmi for supervising the excursion and for supporting our future engineers and innovators!

Lucy Skillman - Head of Science

STEM Club Launches into Action!

Every Thursday after school, our enthusiastic STEM Club students have been hard at work designing and building rockets—and this week, I had the absolute delight of watching them put their creations to the test on the school oval. It was a fantastic display of creativity, teamwork, and scientific curiosity.

A big thank you goes to Ms Numan and Mr Wyllie for their ongoing support and guidance of our STEM students. As part of their rocket-building projects, students explored a range of design techniques and materials, including the use of our 3D printers to bring their innovative ideas to life.

Looking ahead to next term, STEM Club members will be teaming up with our community garden for an exciting new program. Watch this space for more details!

STEM Club is open to all students and meets every Thursday afternoon. Come along and get involved—we’d love to see you there!

Angela Knight - Deputy Principal

Follow the Dream

To finish off Term One of the Follow the Dream program, the students had a visit from a rising star in the current Wildcats team, Elijah Pepper.  After a quick Q&A where the students asked him about his journey to joining the Wildcats and his dreams of playing in the NBA, the Follow the Dream team went to the gym where Pepper ran some basketball drills.  Big thank you to the Wildcats team for co-ordinating this school visit and to Elijah for giving up his time.

Ben Edwards - HaSS Teacher & Follow the Dream Coordinator

HaSS News

Year 10 HASS ACE Excursion to Curtin University

Students in the Year 10 HaSS ACE class have been working hard over the last 4 weeks on their business projects for the 2025 BCC Business Case Competition.  In groups of 2-3, students had to analyse an Australian business of their choice and pitch a strategic solution to improve the business.  Ms Gray and Mr Edwards then accompanied the students as they visited Curtin University for a tour of the campus, before they each presented their finished projects to the judges (Curtin Business School lecturer and Ms Gray).  All students were commended by the Curtin Business School staff for the incredibly high standard of their work, and the winning teams received vouchers.

Ben Edwards - HaSS Teacher 

Trial of vaping detectors in WA schools

Ballajura Community College is one of 10 schools in Western Australian trialling the vaping detectors. The Department of Education has engaged Quantum Consulting Australia (Quantum) to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of vaping detectors trialled in the 10 schools.

To inform the evaluation, we ask that you complete a short, anonymous survey on your views on the vaping detectors and any changes since their installation. We will be hearing from students, parents, school staff, and leadership.

What does participation in this evaluation involve?

Parents – A short, anonymous survey for parents. There are approximately 11 questions which should only take 5 to 10 minutes to complete. A link to the survey will be emailed to you and we ask that you please complete it within one week.

Participation in the evaluation is voluntary. Any participant may change their mind and withdraw prior to submitting the survey, with no consequences.

What will happen to the information collected, and is privacy and confidentiality assured?

Information that identifies specific individuals will be removed from the data collected. Survey responses will not be reported back to the school and will not affect your child’s schooling in any way. No names or identifiable information will be included in any reports. Electronic data is stored in a password protected server. Data is accessed by members of the Quantum Consulting Australia evaluation team. The data will be stored for a minimum period of five years, after which it will be destroyed.

Who do I contact if I wish to discuss the evaluation further?

If you would like further information about this evaluation, please contact:

Consent to participate

Read the bullet points below and click on the link to complete the parent survey.

By proceeding to complete the survey, you confirm the following:

• That you have read this information sheet about the evaluation and understand its contents
• That you voluntarily consent to taking part in the evaluation and
• That you give permission for the use of your responses for the purpose of the evaluation.

Please take a moment to complete the PARENT survey

https://app.surveymethods.com/s/parentsurvey/TS/

Jodie Fitzsimmons - Deputy Principal

Externally Set Tasks for Year 12 students

The Externally Set Tasks (EST) are assessment tasks which the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) develop and administer to all Year 12 students for each General and Foundation Course.

The EST helps ensure fair assessment of student achievement.  It will be marked by the teacher delivering the course using the marking key provided by SCSA.

This year the ESTs will be administered in Term 2, from Monday 12 May to Friday 30 May 2025.  The duration of each EST is 50 minutes and will be administered in school time, under standard test conditions, supervised by the learning area teacher.  A timetable and further instructions will be issued to Year 12 students early in Term 2.  The EST is based upon syllabus content being taught in classes and is worth 15% of the student’s semester mark.

As per the College’s Assessment and Reporting Policy, absences from a scheduled assessment such as an EST must be explained by a telephone call, letter, email or SEQTA message from parent/guardian or a medical certificate.  The student will be required to complete the assessment as directed by the classroom teacher or penalties for non-completion without an acceptable reason may be applied.

On behalf of the College, I wish our Year 12 students every success in the upcoming ESTs.

Carmelina La Galia  - Manager of Operations

Important Dates

World Youth Day Seoul 2027

If you are 16 years old or older in July 2025, you are invited to join a group of young people from St Mary MacKillop Catholic Parish, Ballajura, who are headed for World Youth Day in Seoul, South Korea in August 2027.