Year 7s

Year 7 students have settled in quickly, adapting to routines, engaging in classes, and building strong friendships. Their enthusiastic attitude and teamwork have been impressive, and I look forward to their continued growth.

Information Evenings

Earlier this term, the College hosted two information evenings to support parent engagement and understanding.

Year 7 and new families were welcomed to the College, where they received an overview of key procedures and expectations, followed by a campus tour and an opportunity to connect with staff over refreshments in a relaxed setting.

Parents of Year 11 and 12 students attended a session focused on the senior school curriculum. The evening provided clarity around WACE requirements, the ATAR system, and the VET pathways available at the College.

Harmony Week Highlights

Harmony Week was a vibrant celebration of culture and community at our College. Highlights included a multilingual recital of the Our Father, an inspiring address by alumnus Dilaksan Ratneswaran, and a meaningful Welcome to Country ceremony.

Students proudly showcased their heritage in the Culture Dress Parade, and the return of the Music and Food Festival brought the week to a colourful close with performances and international cuisine.

Thank you to all who made the week such a success. Together, we continue to celebrate the diversity that enriches our College community.

Swimming Achievements

This term, students displayed outstanding commitment and school spirit at both the Interhouse and ACC Interschool Swim Carnivals.

Congratulations to Kelly House for winning the Interhouse Carnival, and to all participants for their enthusiastic involvement. At the ACC Interschool Carnival, Aranmore placed third in the H Division—an excellent result reflecting the dedication of our swimmers and the guidance of Dr Carrol. Well done to all involved.

Year 12 Retreat

On Wednesday, 26 March, the Year 12s set off to Serpentine for three days of growth, teamwork, and meaningful connection—within themselves, their spirituality, and as a group. Together, they shared laughter, tears, and special moments they’ll remember and cherish for a lifetime.

Every Year 12 student fully embraced the experience, engaging in activities that explored labels, character strengths, faith journeys, and influential people. It was a valuable opportunity for learning and reflection. Thank you to the Ministry Team and staff who attended.

Exciting Opportunity for AEP Students in the ECU IGNIS Mission

Academic Extension Program Coordinator Sonya Cerny and six AEP students have been selected to participate in Phase 1 of the ECU IGNIS Mission Student Interns Program in 2025.

The IGNIS Mission is a groundbreaking collaboration between Australian universities and NASA, aimed at enhancing our understanding of the connection between lightning events and bushfire ignition. Edith Cowan University (ECU) is the only university in Western Australia involved in this mission, which spans three phases over eight years.

As part of this prestigious program, our students will join other selected schools to work alongside scientists and engineers at ECU, gaining hands-on experience in assembling, testing, and deploying advanced sensor technology. They will also contribute to the analysis of data collected from innovative ground stations and test flights, playing an active role in cutting-edge research with real-world impact.

This is an incredible opportunity for our students to engage in STEM at the highest level, and we look forward to seeing their contributions to this important mission.

Reminder - Winter Uniform Requirements for Term 2

The winter uniform is to be worn in Terms 2 and 3. During the first two weeks of Term 2, there will be a grace period where students may choose to wear either the summer or winter uniform, depending on the weather.  

Mr Declan Tanham
Principal

Dear Parents & Guardians,

The next Federal Election will be held on Saturday 3 May and it is important to consider how your vote will impact your child’s education. The National Catholic Education Commission has prepared a number of resources for parents to consider ahead of the election including a two-page parent Priorities document. You can find out more information about their priorities by visiting the school funding explainer webpage and dispelling the myths page.

- Mr Wayne Bull (Director)

2026 Scholarships Now Open for New Applicants

Families currently enrolled at the College may be particularly interested in the Catherine McAuley Scholarship and the Br Kelly STEM Scholarship.
Full details of all available scholarships can be found here.
Please note: Eligibility criteria apply.

Wed 23 April – 8-1pm – appointment required
Thu 24 April – 8-1pm – appointment required
Mon 28 April – 8-1pm – no appointment required
Tue 29 April – 8-1pm – no appointment required

You can make your appointment here>>

To submit and absence you will need to:
Log into SEQTA Engage.   (If you are unable to log in, use your email address as your user name and click FORGOT PASSWORD.  You will receive an email to reset your password.)

1) Once you have logged in, click on ABSENCES in the menu panel. 
2) Select NEW ABSENCE and select your child’s name. 
3) Complete all of the mandatory sections.  *** make sure to select the exact time frame related if your child is only absent for part of the day ***
4) Click SUBMIT.

If you have any difficulties, please email our SEQTA co-ordinator, Mrs Wolmarans at -   corlie.wolmarans@cewa.edu.au.

Winter Academic Uniform
The winter uniform is worn in Terms 2 and 3. There is a grace period during the first two weeks of term where students may wear the summer or winter uniform, depending upon the weather.

From Week 3 of Term 2, the winter uniform is required to be worn.

All items listed can be purchased from the Uniform Shop. 

Girls 

• White over-blouse bearing the Aranmore emblem. 
• Blue checked skirt - worn at knee-length or Aranmore blue trousers (substitute designs must not be worn). 
• Blazer. 
• Aranmore tie. 
• Aranmore royal blue jumper for students in Years 7 –11; Year 12 students may wear the optional Aranmore Leavers’ jacket. 
• Opaque navy blue stockings or winter-weight tights are worn or the Aranmore white crew socks.
• Black, polished, lace up shoes (pumps, slip-ons, buckled shoes, sneakers, sandals, thongs or bare feet are not acceptable at any time). 

Boys 

• Pale blue tailored shirt bearing the Aranmore emblem worn tucked into the trouser waistband. 
• Blazer
• Aranmore grey trousers (fitted at the waist rather than loosely hung at the hips). 
• A black belt with an unobtrusive metal buckle. 
• Aranmore tie. 
• Aranmore royal blue jumper for students in Years 7 –11; Year 12 students may wear the optional Aranmore Leavers’ jacket. 
• Aranmore banded grey school socks. 
• Black, polished, lace up school shoes (sneakers or sport shoes are not an acceptable substitute. Sandals, thongs and bare feet are not acceptable at any time).

 All Students 

• Students who choose to wear an undergarment or t-shirt under their College shirt for additional warmth, must ensure that the undergarment is white, not visible and is not emblazoned with logos etc which can be seen through the College shirt. T-shirt  sleeves must not be visible.
• The College tracksuit jacket is not to be worn in place of the College jumper or blazer. 
• The tracksuit jacket is part of the sports uniform and may only be worn with the sports uniform. Therefore, all students must have a College blazer to wear as part of their academic uniform. 
• Sneakers or sports shoes are not to be worn with Academic uniform. 

Mrs Susan Russell
Deputy Principal – Students

Year 7 Transition - Going Strong!

The Year 7s have begun the year with enthusiasm and have quickly adapted to life at our College.

From the very first day, our Year 7s have shown remarkable resilience and positivity. They are well organised, have embraced new routines, navigated the campus with confidence, and engaged actively in their classes. It's fantastic to see how well they have transitioned into this new chapter of their educational journey.

One of the highlights of this term has been witnessing the number of new friendships that have been formed. Our Year 7 students have been incredibly supportive of one another, creating a warm and inclusive environment. They have demonstrated a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork.

We are proud of the way our Year 7s have settled in and are excited to see them continue to grow and thrive in the coming terms. Their positive attitude and eagerness to learn are truly commendable.

We look forward to many more achievements and memorable moments together.

Mr Craig Rodgers
Dean of Students - Year 7

This year's Harmony Week was a spectacular celebration of diversity, culture, and unity at our school. The week was filled with exciting activities that brought the entire school community together.

On Tuesday during Harmony Week, our school assembly was especially memorable, with students from different nationalities coming together to present the Our Father in six different languages. This powerful display highlighted the richness of our cultural diversity. We were also honored to have Dilaksan Ratneswaran, an ex-student who graduated last year with an outstanding ATAR of 98, as our special guest speaker. Dilaksan shared his inspiring journey of how his family immigrated from Sri Lanka and how he started his education in the Intensive English Unit. Despite the challenges, he managed to graduate in the top 2% of all WA students in 2024, proving that hard work and perseverance can lead to great success.

The afternoon on Tuesday also featured a heartfelt 'Welcome to Country' ceremony, attended by many parents and guests. This special event was a beautiful acknowledgment of the traditional custodians of the land and a significant part of our Harmony Week celebrations.

Friday's lunch break brought the excitement of our famous Culture Dress Parade in the CASS. The students dressed to impress in traditional attire, proudly showcasing their cultures. The vibrant and colorful outfits were a true testament to the diversity of our school community, and it was wonderful to see the students so proud of their heritage.

The week culminated with the highly anticipated Music and Food Festival after school. The food stalls, run by our dedicated staff, offered a delicious array of international dishes, and many students entertained the crowd with their talents. We were treated to beautiful singing performances, a lively lion dance, and cultural dances from the Malaetasi Pacific Arts group (Samoan), as well as Bhutanese and Afghan dance groups. This year marked the return of the Music and Food Festival after several years, and it was a huge success. We are excited to make it even bigger and better next year!

A big thank you to everyone who contributed to making this year's Harmony Week a success. From the students and staff to the parents and guests, your participation and support helped make this event truly memorable.

Let’s continue to celebrate our differences and promote harmony in our school and beyond!

Mrs Corlie Wolmarans
Director of College Operations

ACER Advance Awards for Schools 

Congratulations to the following students who achieved Credit or Merit Awards in the 2024 ACER Advance Awards for Schools: Celeste Healey, Cooper Truong, Olaf Skrzypek, Aaliyah Finau, Madeleine Jones, Callum O'Brien, Richard Haddow, Adele Lewis and Sumaya Mohammadi. Designed for high performing students across Australia, this competition challenges students to apply their knowledge and skills beyond the curriculum in both numeracy and literacy. Students participated in the 2025 competition earlier this term and we look forward to seeing their achievements later in the year.

Eye dissection 

Year 7 and 8 AEP students explored the theme of light, culminating in a cow eye dissection. Through this hands-on activity, students identified key structures of the eye and carefully removed the lens to observe how it focuses light onto the retina. 

Award Winning Writing 

Little Stories Big Ideas is a quarterly flash fiction writing competition where students are challenged to craft compelling stories of 100 words or less, inspired by a given theme each term. Congratulations to Madeleine Macaulay (Year 9), who achieved Third Place in the 2024 Term 4 competition with her response to the theme ‘War’. Her powerful piece is featured below.

I am WAR 

I am the crescendo of calamity.

I am the orchestrator of your screams.

I divide families and crush homes like soda cans.

I perpetuate your grief.

I intensify your anger.

I tuck your lifeless bodies to sleep in rich chocolate soil.

I am the tick-tick of cascading bombs.

I am the lingering smell of smouldering ash.

I am the bitter taste of death.

I supress your happiness, joy. Your humanity.

Mentions of me come in hushed voices and screwed up faces. Negativity sticks to me like a bad reputation.

Who am I you ask?

I am WAR

In addition to this achievement, Madeleine also secured First Place in the 10 and Over category of the City of Vincent Story Book Competition. This award-winning storybook, originally created as part of her English class project last year, can be viewed here:

A huge well done to Madeleine for her outstanding writing accomplishments!

Story summary: Ever since Linus moved to his new school at Pleasant Hill, he's felt stuck. All the kids play different games, eat different food, and look very different from him. But as he tries to settle into his new life, he can't help but looking back. While taking refuge in storybooks, Linus discovers something miraculous, a magical clock that allows him to step back in time. Reunited with his old life, it's like he never left. But what happens when Linus becomes to absorbed in the past?

This is a story about the struggles of making friends, and finding a new way forward.

Miss Sonya Cerny
Academic Extension Program (AEP) Coordinator 

An Inspiring Start to the Year

The  Arts and Technologies Department has been a hub of activity this semester, with students exploring their passions and developing their skills across a range of disciplines. Here's a snapshot of what we’ve been up to:

Visual Arts

Our Visual Arts students have been immersed in a rich program of learning and discovery. A series of excursions to the Art Gallery of WA has provided valuable opportunities to engage with diverse artistic styles and movements, inspiring our students’ work back in the classroom.

A core group of students were also chosen to help facilitate a workshop at Servite College, creating an indigenous artwork that reflects the values and story of Servite. We look forward to seeing the artwork that is created from this collaboration when it is finished in the coming weeks.

Back in the studio, students have participated in workshops, honing their techniques in various mediums, and producing artworks in a broad range of styles and mediums. We look forward to showcasing our students’ talents in our art exhibition in Term 4 this year.

Woodwork

The sound of saws and the smell of sawdust have been ever-present in the woodwork rooms, where students have been busy bringing their designs to life, creating functional pieces of furniture and household objects. Students are developing practical skills and creating products they can be proud of. The focus has been on traditional skills and techniques, as students learn important, transferrable and useful life skills. 

Cooking

The Cooking department has been a hive of culinary activity! Students have been exploring flavors, mastering techniques, and creating delicious dishes. A highlight of the semester was the Local Foods Excursion, which provided students with a practical perspective on the culinary arts. The experience has not only enhanced their cooking skills but also fostered an appreciation for food culture and how cooking works in the real world.

Media

The Media department has been exploring the power of visual storytelling in a range of media – from film to photography. A recent highlight was the film viewing of the Media Perspectives movie night, which showcased all the best talent from last year’s Media students within the state. Students had the opportunity to see how media can shape our understanding of the world, sparking insightful discussions and inspiring their own media projects.

Drama

Term 1 has been an exciting and dynamic start to the year in Drama, with students across all year levels exploring a range of performance styles, texts, and theatrical experiences. Our Year 10 students had the fantastic opportunity to attend Kennedy Baptist College’s production of Annie, gaining insight into musical theatre and live performance. Meanwhile, Year 11 ATAR and selected General students engaged with two remarkable productions—watching a recording of David Tennant’s Macbeth at Luna Cinema and attending Perspectives at His Majesty’s Theatre, broadening their understanding of professional theatre.

In the classroom, students have delved into a variety of theatrical styles. Year 7s embraced the vibrant world of circus arts, developing their collaborative skills through movement and ensemble work. Year 8s explored realism and devised chilling horror-themed performances, pushing their creativity in storytelling. Year 9s took a deep dive into the heightened emotions and exaggerated characters of melodrama, while Year 10s tackled absurdism through a retelling of Hansel and Gretel in Hoods, an Australian play. Finally, Year 11s have been immersed in the gripping world of A Streetcar Named Desire, analysing its complex characters and themes. With such a rich and engaging start to the year, we look forward to seeing how our students continue to grow as performers and storytellers in the coming terms!

Music

Music has been an integral part of the school's fabric this semester, most recently with the celebration of Harmony Week. A range of students performed at assembly and Harmony Evening, displaying the vibrant cultural diversity we have at the College. Select senior music scholarships students also had the opportunity to attend the Perspectives Showcase at His Majesty Theatre which was an impactful and inspiring experience displaying exceptional musical performances. The Year 10 students also provided a warm and wonderful morning of entertainment for the local Rosewood residents who came across to Aranmore for a visit. The Music department is now gearing up for the Catholic Performing Arts Festival later this semester, with students working diligently on their pieces and ensembles. We look forward to another showcase of musical excellence!

Compiled by Mrs Katherine Miller - Arts & Technologies

Young Writers at Fremantle Literature Centre

The Young Writers’ Collective is up and running again in 2025 for budding Year 9 and 10 creative writers.

This is an extension program offered once a term by the Fremantle Literature Centre, and sessions are run by visiting Australian authors from various young adult genres. Students attend workshops at the Centre, which is housed in the grounds of the historic Fremantle Prison. In Week 8, ten Aranmore students headed out to join students from other schools in a popular full day session run by Western Australian historical fiction and fantasy author Meg Caddy. A big focus of her workshop was world-building, and she had eager students sketching maps to create rich, believable settings for their characters, even in a fantasy genre. She also ran a fascinating Q&A about the ups and downs involved in getting your work published. Next term, the group will return to hear from YA crime and mystery novelist Alexander Thorpe.

Year 7 English

The Year 7s have settled well into their English classes, and are reading their first text, the novella “Black Cockatoo”, written by Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler. Mrs Evans’ class have been bringing the story to life by creating their own vibrant cockatoo display for the classroom.

Year 12 Literature

On the 20 February, a group of students from the Year 12 Literature class and Year 11 Drama class, including myself, had the opportunity to attend a filmed performance of Macbeth, starring David Tennant, at The Luna Cinema in Leederville. Macbeth, originally written by William Shakespeare and first performed in 1606, tells the story of three witches who prophesy that Macbeth will become the King of Scotland. Encouraged by his wife, Macbeth kills the king to hasten the prophecy, becomes king, and then kills more people out of paranoia. 

The play was very enjoyable, and it was fascinating to see how the concepts we learned in class were portrayed on screen. The comedic breaks were my favourite part, and I enjoyed recognising quotes from our studies. The excursion was not only entertaining but also educational, as it deepened our understanding of the drama format studied in Literature. For the drama students, it was valuable to see how multiple actors portrayed multiple characters.

Overall, the play was both enjoyable and educational, making it a wonderful experience for all the students who attended. - Taylah Foord (Year 12)

Mrs Kerry Ponton
Head of Learning Area (English)

Lunar New Year - Lantern Festival

On 13 February, the Year 9 class marked the final day of the Lunar New Year—known as the Lantern Festival—with a special cultural lesson. Students explored the significance of the Lunar Calendar, the New Year celebrations, and the traditions associated with the Lantern Festival. 

As part of their learning, students have been asked to write reflections on the lesson, helping to consolidate their understanding while also contributing to the Year 9 class record and the school newsletter.

Homemade Glutinous Rice Balls

On 26 February 2025, the Year 9 Chinese as a Second Language class had the opportunity to taste homemade glutinous rice balls and gain a deeper understanding of the tradition of eating them during occasions such as the Lantern Festival (on the 15th day of the first month of the Lunar calendar) and the Winter Solstice (usually falling on December 21 or 22 each year).

2025年2月26日（星期三） 九年级的中文作为第二语言班级有机会在课堂上品尝自制的汤圆，并更深入的了解在元宵节（农历正月十五）和冬至（通常落在每年12月21日或22日）等节日中吃汤圆的传统。

Mrs Emily Tan
Mandarin Language Teacher

Choices Workshop

In February, IEC students took part in a workshop about making choices. After brainstorming, students made a choice relating to a behaviour they would like to work on and improve.

They then spoke the commitment out loud with the group while wrapping a string around their wrist. The throwing of the ball of string across the group also created a web of connection to show we all have individual things to work on but in the end we are all connected and part of a whole. 

Ms Tracey Anthony
Head of Intensive English Centre

As we approach the end of Term 1, we wish all the students a safe and relaxing break. This year, 12 new international students joined the College. We are proud of all the students’ dedication throughout the term, and the consistent effort of learning in a foreign language. We hope you have a wonderful break in Perth or back in your home country.

New International Student Profile

My name is Mei Nonaka. I moved from Japan to Australia last April.  

I have experienced a lot since I came to Perth. The event that left the deepest impression on me is Harmony Week that I interacted with many cultures. The Friday night at the end of that Week, my friends, who also from different countries, show me their beautiful culture dress. We shared about our countries and cultures. For example, country flag meaning, how to say hello, thank you in different languages and recommended foods of our country. It was great time.

Mei is pictured at the Harmony Week Dress of Nations Parade.

New International Student Profile

My first term at Aranmore was a mix of challenges and excitement. The first week was tough with a new school, new friends, and no device, but things got easier after that. I was surprised by how much better the education is compared to Vietnam. I made some great friends, like Farrer from Vietnam, Sal from Cambodia, and Duc Anh from Vietnam. The best parts of Term 1 were the swimming and sports carnivals. I also love Perth—it’s a great city with lots of fun activities! 

Ben is pictured in Korea before arriving in Perth.

Term 1 Lunar New Year Lunch

’Wishing you prosperity and good fortune’’ “gong hei fat choy,” the Cantonese pronunciation of 恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái in Mandarin).

This year, the international students were invited to a mid-term Lunar New Year lunch. Students enjoyed an assortment of Vietnamese and Australian food including Banh Mi, Rice paper rolls as well as Aussie pies and sausage rolls (Thank you Mr Lewis). Lunar New Year is celebrated by many of our Aranmore international student families and begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar. Happy Year of the Ox

Study Perth visits Aranmore

Study Perth has a range of services and opportunities for the international student community. We thank Study Perth Ambassadors Ken and Ayesha for taking the time to showcase some of the services and events that is hosted through Study Perth. The student hub is on 555 Wellington Street Perth where students are welcome at any time. StudyPerth | Study, work and live in Perth, Western Australia

Student Exchanges

The College is proud to still be hosting student exchanges as it is a rare chance for overseas students to experience school life in Perth for a day, a week or a few weeks. This is not possible without the support of teachers and students who act as buddies for these exchange students. Thank you. 

Ms Casey Deng
International Students Coordinator

Aranmore Dominates Western Force Cup 7s

Aranmore Catholic College has once again asserted its dominance in the RugbyWA Western Force Cup 7-a-side competition, delivering an incredible performance across multiple divisions. The tournament, part of the Western Force Schools Rugby Program, brought together schools from across the state in a showcase of skill, speed, and sportsmanship.

Our Aranmore teams rose to the challenge, securing championship titles in five divisions:

• Year 7-8 Boys
• Year 9-10 Boys
• Year 10-11 Boys
• Year 10-12 Girls
• Year 7-9 Girls

Each team displayed determination, teamwork, and passion throughout the competition, with several standout players earning special recognition for their exceptional contributions:

• Year 11 Boys: Matua Reedy and Kaiwha Heke led with speed and strategy, guiding the team to a hard-fought victory.
• Year 10-11 Girls: Kuini Nama and Kylah- Rei Tuheke-Kupa were instrumental in their team’s success, showcasing both leadership and flair on the field.
• Year 7-8 Boys: Daniel O’Reilly, Ky Mani Galiki, and Kiahn-James Engu-Tavai stood out for their dynamic play and impressive skill set.
• Year 7-9 Girls: Moana Heke, Kaiya Puki, and Teua Simeti were game-changers in their division, combining speed and agility to dominate their matches.
• Year 9-10 Boys: Jr Longoatu Vaka proved to be a powerhouse, consistently breaking through defensive lines and setting the pace for the team.

Congratulations to all the players efforts, all players were very impressive with their dedication, resilience, and passion for the game. Their achievements are well-deserved and reflect the strong rugby culture we promote at the college.

This remarkable performance reaffirms Aranmore’s position as a leader in school rugby across Western Australia. We congratulate all players, coaches, parent helpers and supporters for their role in this outstanding success of the day.

Aranmore Vs Matthew Flinders College

Aranmore Catholic College recently had the pleasure of hosting Matthew Flinders Anglican College from the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, for a series of friendly yet fiercely contested Rugby 7s matches against the Aranmore Girls and a Full boys rugby match. The fixtures provided a fantastic opportunity for our teams to test themselves against quality touring opposition and to build camaraderie through the spirit of sport.

Two thrilling games were played between the Girls 7s teams, with both matches proving to be closely contested battles. The intensity and skill displayed by both sides made for exciting viewing, with neither team giving an inch. Aranmore’s girls showed great resilience, teamwork, and flair in what were two of the most competitive games of the season so far.

The Aranmore Opens Boys team also took to the field with purpose and delivered a solid win, combining strong defence and attacking creativity to dominate proceedings. It was a great confidence boost and a testament to the team’s hard work on and off the field.

All matches were played in excellent spirit, reflecting the values of respect, sportsmanship, and mutual growth that lie at the heart of school sport. It was a rewarding experience for both colleges and a valuable opportunity to build connections through rugby.

A huge thank you goes to Matthew Flinders College for making the trip and contributing to such a memorable day of rugby.

Players of the Day:

• Girls 7s: Teiana Mainwaring
• Opens Boys: Matua Reedy

We look forward to more opportunities like this in the future and continuing to grow our rugby program through strong competition and shared experiences.

Mr Dwayne Grace
Specialised Rugby Program Coordinator

Congratulations to Mr Grace – Western Force Super Women’s Coaching Appointment

A huge congratulations to Mr Grace on his recent coaching opportunity with the Western Force Super Women’s team. This prestigious appointment is a testament to his passion, expertise, and dedication to the development of rugby – not only at Aranmore but across the state.

Although the team was defeated in the Super Women’s semi-final, they represented Western Australia with pride, heart, and determination. Their journey has inspired many and highlighted the growing strength of women’s rugby in the west.

Mr Grace’s involvement at this elite level also provides a valuable pathway for our current and future female rugby players, showing what’s possible with hard work, commitment, and the right support.

Well done, Mr Grace – we’re proud to have you leading the way at Aranmore!

Year 7 Dissolving Sugar

Year 7s have had a busy term. They have done may experiments and gained their Bunsen burner licence.  They are also beginning to learn how to write scientific reports. 

Dr Carroll’s science class is dissolving cubed and powdered sugar to see the difference in the time it takes to dissolve.  Controlling their variables to obtain reliable results is an important part of this process.

Year 9 Convection Snake

 Why does the snake spin when you hold it over a candle?  Ask an Aranmore scientist.

Year 9 UV

Living in Australia, students are well aware of the dangers of UV radiation and the part sunscreen plays in protecting their skin. As part of their physics studies this term, Year 9 students are learning exactly what UV radiation is and how effective sunscreens of different brands and SPF’s are at protecting them from UV radiation.

Year 12 General Human Biology DNA extraction

Our current Year 12 General students are the first to study the new curriculum introduced this year.  Practical skills and real world application is an important part of the new General Human Biology Course.  Here our students are using their laboratory skills to extract DNA from a strawberry.

Yr 11 ATAR Human Biology Agar Cubes & Surface Area

The Year 11 ATAR Human Biology students completed a practical investigation using different sized agar cubes to represent cells of the body. The students were investigating the effect of the surface-area-to-volume ratio of cells on diffusion rate, to understand why most cells have to be microscopic. - Mr Seb Eglington

Yr 10 Chemical Properties

As an introduction to Chemistry this term, Year 10 students compared the properties of various elements, looking at electrical and thermal conductivity, malleability, lustre and state of matter.  These properties can then be used to determine the elements position on the periodic table.

Year 12 Chemistry

Year 12 Students explored Le Châtelier’s Principle by manipulating chromate-dichromate solutions, witnessing dramatic colour shifts as equilibrium responded to changes in temperature and concentration, reinforcing real-world chemistry applications through hands-on experimentation. - Dr Steven Carroll

Year 12 Chemistry Acids

Year 12 chemistry students are reviewing their acid base knowledge.  Here they are blowing over the surface of water to add carbon dioxide to create carbonic acid and alter the pH.

Year 10 Flame Test

Have you ever wondered how fireworks get their different colours?  It has to do with excited electrons moving back to their ground state in different metal ions.  Year 10s demonstrated those different colours in a flame test.  They compared using a salt solution with the powdered salt to see which gave the best colour display.  The results were that powder gave the brightest colours for all salts tested.

Year 10 Modelling Chemical Reactions

Noone is too old to have fun with plasticine.  Year 10s are using it to model different elements during a chemical reaction.

Year 8 Burger rings

How much energy is in a burger ring?  Year 8 students turned the stored chemical energy in a burger gin into heat energy to find out.

Year 10 Reaction Rate

Science is a practical subject and many of our assessments are based on experiments.  As part of their study of Chemistry, Year 10s are looking at the effect of diluting acids on their reaction rate. Safety is very important and forms part of their assessment, you can see students wearing their safety glasses and gloves.

Year 11 Psychology Anatomical Plane Activity 

To enhance their understanding of the brain's anatomical planes, Year 11 ATAR Psychology students dissected a banana along the three major planes. This hands-on activity helps prepare them for studying brain scanning techniques, where recognising anatomical planes in scans is essential. - Miss Sonya Cerny

Year 11 Psychology Brain Dissection 

Students explored the structure of the brain through a sheep brain dissection, identifying key anatomical features and reinforcing their classroom learning on brain structure and function. - Miss Sonya Cerny

Year 11 Psychology Brain Scanning Talk 

We were privileged to welcome experienced radiographer Emma Lipman-Murphy, who delivered an engaging lesson on brain scanning techniques. Students gained valuable insights into CT, MRI and fMRI, learning how these technologies assist in visualising brain activity and structure. - Miss Sonya Cerny

Year 11 Psychology Stages of Plasticity Activity

To illustrate the stages of brain plasticity, students used Wikki Stix to model the stages of plasticity, capturing a series of photos to document the transformations. - Miss Sonya Cerny

Mrs Naomi Geoghegan
Head of Learning Area - Science

Sports Highlights

As we conclude another term, it's time to reflect on the key moments in our school's sports calendar. Here are the main highlights:

Interhouse Swim Carnival

The Interhouse Swim Carnival saw students competing in various swimming races. Kelly House won the event, showing great teamwork and effort. Well done to all the swimmers!

ACC Interschool Carnival

Our school participated in the ACC Interschool Carnival, where Aranmore achieved third place in the H division. The hard work and commitment of our athletes was evident through great numbers at training leading up to the carnival, which correlated to our excellent achievement on the day. Well done to all the swimmers and Dr Carrol for coaching the team so diligently.

ACC Championship Basketball

In the ACC Championship Basketball, three out of our four teams advanced to the knockout stage. The Junior Boys and Girls teams will play on Thursday of Week 10, while the Senior Boys will compete early next term. Good luck to all our basketball teams!

Year 8 & 9/10 NWAS

Week 9 will feature our Year 8 and Year 9/10 students competing in the NWAS competition against five other schools in basketball, cricket, volleyball, and frisbee. We look forward to seeing our students in action and wish them luck for the day.

Fun Run

The term will end with the Fun Run, which serves as Aranmore's Interhouse Cross Country event. This event will also help select participants for the ACC Interschool Carnival next term. Good luck to all Houses!

As we look forward to the next term, let's continue to support and encourage our athletes. Their commitment to sports fosters a sense of community and belonging. Well done to everyone involved, and here's to more sporting success in the future!

Mr Adam Miotti
Sports Coordinator

Owen Buttigieg - Class of 2022

It was lovely to hear from Owen, our 2022 College Dux, about his recent exchange to Japan as part of his university studies. You may be surprised to learn that he’s still not 100% certain about his future career, but the trip has helped him decide on something even more important...

Travelling is something I think a lot of people want to do but struggle to actually make happen. It’s easy to keep waiting for a perfect time to go that never actually comes. During high school, I’d heard about exchange trips online, through universities and from friends – and even though initially they seemed like something I’d enjoy, I’d always tell myself they were too expensive, or too long, so I convinced myself I didn’t want to do them anyway.

When I graduated, I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I definitely didn’t want to start a course that I realised I hated a few years in and end up feeling trapped. I wanted something flexible, something that would keep my options open for as long as possible and help me find what I really wanted to do. Luckily when I got my results back, I got into a course that seemed to tick all the boxes, Bachelor of Philosophy Honours.

It let me take any major I want, allowed lots of electives, and gave support from people with experience – the only problem was that in order to graduate I had to go on exchange. It was well in the future though, so no need to stress. But before I knew it I was touching down in Japan for my 6 months of exchange.

At the start, everything was new and different, which was exciting but also pretty full on. Not knowing anyone was rough at the start but making new friends is one of the best experiences I’ve had. I’m only a little over half-way through my stay but I’ve already done so many cool things, seen so many amazing things and met more interesting people than I can keep track of.

I’ve watched the sumo, visited the Imperial Palace and driven a go-kart on the streets on Shibuya. But I think more than that I’ll remember the time I spent with my friends. Going on 2-hour train rides out to the middle of nowhere to take photos, throwing plans for the day out the window after seeing something crazy on the street, seeing the sun rise walking back home from a night out.

Even though I’m still not 100% sure about what I want to do for work, going on this exchange has helped me towards deciding. But more than that it’s helped me to understand not just what I want to do, but who I want to be. If you’re considering going on exchange in the future, I’d absolutely recommend it.

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For the College Calendar, please see here.

www.aranmore.wa.edu.au