Curtin Calls April 2025

John Curtin College of the Arts is thrilled to announce our participation in the prestigious ASEAN-Australia BRIDGE School Partnerships Program! This fantastic initiative will see our school connect with a partner school in Southeast Asia, opening up a world of opportunities for cross-cultural learning and friendship.

Welcoming Akademi Sains Pendang, Our Partner in Malaysia

We are delighted to be paired with Akademi Sains Pendang, a public secondary school specialising in gifted education within the sciences. Located in the rural region of Kedah, Malaysia, Akademi Sains Pendang is home to 300 students across lower and upper secondary levels. This partnership will offer our students invaluable insights into the Malaysian education system, their vibrant culture, and the everyday lives of young people in Malaysia.

Introducing Our Key Collaborator: Mr. Adzrul Syafiq Bin Adzhar

Facilitating this exciting partnership on the ground in Malaysia is Mr. Adzrul Syafiq Bin Adzhar, a dedicated and experienced Sejarah (History) and Psychology teacher at Akademi Sains Pendang. Known affectionately as Syafiq, he plays a key role in curriculum development and also coaches the school’s debate teams. Syafiq’s excellent English language skills, alongside his native Malay, make him the perfect person to help bridge communication between our two schools. Interestingly, Syafiq has previously visited Australia on his own, giving him a unique understanding of our country.

What’s in Store for Our Students?

Over the coming months, students from John Curtin College and Akademi Sains Pendang will embark on a journey of collaborative projects, virtual exchanges, and shared learning experiences. These engaging activities are designed to:

• • Enhance global citizenship and intercultural understanding: Broadening our students’ perspectives and appreciation for diverse cultures.

• • Develop digital literacy through collaborative online projects: Equipping students with essential skills for the modern world.

• • Provide authentic contexts for language learning: Offering practical opportunities to improve language skills in a real-world setting.

• • Create opportunities for student leadership: Empowering students to take initiative and develop leadership qualities in a global context.

• • Foster meaningful connections between Australia and Malaysia: Building lasting relationships and understanding between our two nations.

Looking Ahead with Enthusiasm

This partnership presents an incredible opportunity for our students to develop crucial international perspectives, hone their cross-cultural communication skills, and forge lasting friendships with their peers in Malaysia. We believe this experience will be truly enriching and transformative for all involved.

Get Involved!

Students and teachers who are keen to participate in the exciting activities planned as part of the BRIDGE Program are encouraged to reach out to Fiona Tholet for more information on upcoming opportunities.

Stay tuned to future editions of “Building Bridges” for regular updates on our school’s journey in the ASEAN-Australia BRIDGE Program!

On Tuesday, April 1st, the Year 8 dance and ballet students embarked on an exciting journey to the WA Ballet studios in Maylands, traveling by train. There, they had the opportunity to experience, Genesis, a captivating series of dance works choreographed by the company’s own members. The intimate studio setting provided the students with a close-up view of the choreography, followed by an engaging Q&A session.

The John Curtin students asked insightful questions, sparking valuable discussions that will undoubtedly inspire their upcoming student works performance, Universal, in Week 10 of Term 2. The train ride added to the adventure, making it a memorable and enjoyable day for everyone.

Ms Mawby 

We’re on the lookout for awesome parents to help with box office and washing for our upcoming performances! To make these shows run smoothly, we rely on our amazing community—so we’d love your help. 

What’s in it for you? Every two shifts you complete in a year you will receive ONE FREE ticket to any performance (pending availability). Win-win! 

How you can help:
Box Office – 6:00pm to 7:00pm before performances
Washing – After performances 

Interested? Keen to lend a hand?  

Brows and sign up for available spots via the link below.
https://signup.com/go/SRFYghs 

Got questions? Shoot an email to Georgia Hoad-Pipkin at [email protected]

Thank you! We couldn’t do this without you.  er

Recently, Year 11 ATAR Psychology students from John Curtin College of the Arts had a valuable opportunity to delve into the world of university studies during a dedicated one-day excursion to Murdoch University.

The excursion, thoughtfully organised by representatives from the Psychology School at Murdoch University, aimed to provide students with a firsthand experience of what it’s like to study Psychology at a tertiary level. The day proved to be an insightful and engaging experience for all involved.

Students had the chance to immerse themselves in the university environment, potentially interacting with Murdoch University academics and current Psychology students. This provided a unique platform to gain a clearer understanding of the curriculum, teaching methodologies, and the diverse research avenues within a university Psychology program.

Feedback from students and teachers alike suggests the excursion successfully demystified the university experience and offered a tangible glimpse into potential future academic pathways. The opportunity to explore the Murdoch University campus and learn directly from university staff is expected to have a positive impact on the students as they consider their post-secondary education options.

This successful initiative further strengthens the connection between John Curtin College of the Arts and Murdoch University, providing a valuable bridge for students transitioning from secondary to tertiary education. The excursion undoubtedly left the Year 11 ATAR Psychology students with a clearer understanding of university-level Psychology and a renewed enthusiasm for their studies.

This month has been full of excitement and enrichment in the Mathematics Department, with students engaging in a range of activities that celebrate mathematical thinking, problem solving and community spirit. 

Our Friday nights have become a hub of mathematical energy with students from Years 7 to 12 proudly representing our school in the regional Have Sum Fun competitions. Our senior Years 11 and 12 team held their own, placing in the top half of the rankings across the metropolitan area, a fantastic achievement. Meanwhile, our Years 7 and 8 students showed great enthusiasm and teamwork, entering with three dedicated teams. It is safe to say Friday nights have officially become the new “Maths Fun Nights” in our department. 

Adding to the momentum, the department proudly launched a new initiative this month with the Pi Day Competition. The response was overwhelming. We were thrilled (and a little challenged) by the number and quality of entries. Judging became a puzzle of its own, requiring some creative problem solving to ensure fairness. In the end, we celebrated the winning entries, which were brought to life in the form of Pi-themed t-shirt designs proudly worn by our Mathematics staff. 

Another exciting highlight was the first ever EEE Challenge Camp, which gave students the opportunity to apply their mathematical skills in an adventurous outdoor setting. Students explored the use of percentages to calculate the diversity of plant species in the local environment, combining environmental science with real-world Maths. Later in the day, there were some serious applications of probability and timing uncertainty as students raced up a climbing wall, learning quickly how to apply logic, estimation and risk in high-pressure situations. 

We are proud of our students for embracing these opportunities and look forward to what the rest of the year brings. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported these events. The love of Maths is well and truly alive in our school. 

The stage came alive with spooky charm as Year 10, 11, and 12 music theatre students recently delivered a spine-tinglingly good performance of The Addams Family. Running from March 26th to 29th, the production captivated audiences with its exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and a healthy dose of macabre humour.

The students’ hard work and passion shone brightly under the expert guidance of guest director Stephen Carr, whose vision brought the beloved characters to life with flair and precision. The musical heart of the show was in the capable hands of music director Rebecca Vouyoucalos, ensuring every note resonated with the audience. Michelle Ezzy’s vibrant choreography, skillfully assisted by Bailey Flint, Rhianna Patching, and Abi Hill, added an extra layer of dynamism to the performance, keeping the energy high and the audience engaged.

The vocal prowess of the young cast was further honed by the dedicated vocal coaching of Liz Pascoe and Kate Williams, resulting in powerful and emotive performances that truly elevated the entire production. The overwhelming enthusiasm for the show was evident in the impressive turnout, with both the Friday and Saturday night performances achieving coveted sold-out status.

The success of such a large-scale production is never the work of just the performers, and the school community extends a huge thank you to the incredible production team and all those who lent their support. Special recognition goes to the dedicated costume and theatre staff, whose tireless efforts behind the scenes were instrumental in bringing the world of The Addams Family to life on stage.

The school community is immensely proud of the growth and dedication displayed by the entire cast and crew. The resounding success of this production is a testament to their immense effort and the vibrant arts program within the school. This spectacular rendition of The Addams Family will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight of the school year.

John Curtin College has demonstrated strong performance at the recent Swimming Carnival, securing a commendable third place overall with a total of 744 points. The team finished just behind Mt Lawley (757 points) and the top-performing Applecross (992 points).

In addition to their overall ranking, John Curtin College was also the proud recipient of the meritorious shield, highlighting their dedication and effort throughout the competition.

The day also saw several individual students achieve outstanding results, earning recognition as champions or runners-up in their respective year levels:

Year 8

• Boys: Gabriel Shivak (Joint Champion)
• Girls: Milly Kavanagh (Runner Up)

Year 9

• Boys: Yi-Heng Tsai (Champion)
• Girls: Amberlie Ross (Champion)

Year 11

• Boys: Ethan Boon (Runner Up)

Congratulations to all the students who participated and represented John Curtin College with such distinction! Their hard work and achievements are a testament to their talent and the support of their teachers and school community.m

It has been a busy time planning activities for 2025 with lots of amazing ideas for ways to help animals, people and the environment. On Wednesday 26th March in the Great Hall members attended the Club Fair to raise awareness of what Roots & shoots do and to recruit new members. There were multiple clubs with displays with something for every student interest at the College. 

We’re excited to share that late last year Roots & Shoots received a WasteSorted Schools Grant, to acquired $1800 worth of commercial-grade stainless steel containers for our Food Technology department. These will be used to reduce plastic use (particularly plastic wrap) in food preparation. When Imogen Broslama was in year 10, she approached Roots & Shoots looking for a solution to the amount of plastic wrap used in Food Technology. Plastic wrap was needed for hygiene reasons in food preparation especially for meat for but with some creative thinking and the help of a the WasteSorted Schools Grant we now have a sustainable solution with commercial grade stainless steel containers.  

On February 18th, volunteers from the Roots&Shoots program hosted a wonderfully successful bake sale during the Year 7 Picnic, which not only provided delicious treats but also played an important role in raising both funds and awareness for a significant conservation effort.

The funds raised will go toward the protection of the critically endangered Western Ground Parrot, a species facing numerous threats to its survival. The event was a fantastic opportunity to engage with the Year 7 students and their families, introducing them to the Roots&Shoots program and its vital work in supporting endangered wildlife and promoting environmental sustainability. We hope that the Year 7 students have had an exciting start to their high school journey and are feeling welcomed into the school community.

Thanks to the generosity of everyone who participated in the event—whether by donating baked goods, volunteering time, or purchasing treats—we are thrilled to announce that a total of $184.90 was raised. This amount will directly support conservation efforts to protect the Western Ground Parrot and its habitat.

The bake sale featured a variety of delicious homemade items, including an assortment of biscuits, brownies, cakes, and other baked goods, all of which were enjoyed by eager customers. The success of the event reflected the community’s commitment to supporting important environmental causes while also sharing in the joy of homemade treats.  

You might be wondering why we chose to focus on the Western Ground Parrot, a species that many may not be familiar with. The Western Ground Parrot, also known as the Western Grass Parrot, is a small, brightly coloured bird native to the south of Western Australia. Unfortunately, this unique parrot is critically endangered, with an estimated population of only around 150 individuals left in the wild. The species is facing a multitude of challenges, most notably the loss of its natural habitat. As the parrot’s primary habitat is lowland heath and forest, the destruction of these environments due to human activity, including land clearing and development, has put immense pressure on the parrot’s population. Furthermore, frequent bushfires in the region have devastated large areas of their habitat, leaving the parrots with fewer places to live and breed.

Additionally, the Western Ground Parrot faces threats from predators, such as feral cats and foxes, which prey on eggs and young birds. Climate change is also a significant factor, as increasing temperatures, droughts, and heatwaves exacerbate the already precarious situation. These environmental stressors make it difficult for the Western Ground Parrot to thrive, and without concerted conservation efforts, the species could face extinction in the near future. The funds raised through the bake sale will go directly to supporting ongoing conservation efforts aimed at protecting and preserving this unique species.

The money will be used for habitat restoration projects, the monitoring and protection of the parrot’s remaining populations, and educational initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of conserving wildlife like the Western Ground Parrot. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported this cause, whether through purchasing baked goods, donating their time or resources, or simply spreading the word. Your generosity is helping to ensure a future for the Western Ground Parrot and contributing to the continued success of the Roots&Shoots program, which empowers young people to take action for the environment and wildlife. 

By Emily-Rose Calder 

On the 5th of March, 19 Roots & Shoots members got the opportunity to attend a Sea Week conference at Perth Zoo. What is Sea Week? It’s a national campaign focusing on spreading information and awareness about our vast marine areas.

We listened to three engaging talks at the conference, as well as an introductory talk explaining that marine parks cover around 50% of Western Australia’s waters! It’s especially important to protect our waters, as there is a wide range of temperatures, currents, and coastal shapes creating many different marine environments, supporting different ecosystems.

The first activity we took part in was a discussion with two professionals in the marine field. Many questions were asked, and it was a good chance to further understand their careers, as well as how to get into that field of work.

We then listened to a talk on turtles, specifically flat back turtles, which are endemic, or native, to Australia. We discussed the effects of climate change on the flat back turtle population, especially how temperature can affect the sex of baby turtles when they are incubating in the sand. The higher the temperature is, more females will be present, and the cooler the temperature is, more males will be present. We brainstormed solutions to this issue, many of which are already being done, especially in the north of WA.

The final talk was about little penguins, so we got to see the little penguin enclosure at the zoo, which was definitely a highlight for all of us. We mostly discussed the relationship between parents and chicks and played a fun game simulating the parents venturing out to find enough food. Interestingly, if the parent penguin only gathers enough food for one of them, it will prioritise itself, meaning in times of food scarcity, some penguin generations could be smaller than previous ones.

It was a fun and educational excursion with lots of learning opportunities about different topics linked with our extensive marine habitats here in WA, and we took home many lessons we were taught. 

By Jasmine Browning 

As part of our ongoing efforts to improve student wellbeing and encourage safe, active transport, we are conducting a survey to gather feedback from our community on how children travel to and from John Curtin College. 

This survey has been developed in partnership with the Your Move Program and aims to capture valuable data on students’ modes of transport. By participating, you will provide us with insights that will help guide the development of infrastructure and processes that support safe, active travel to school. Your feedback is instrumental in helping us create a safer and more sustainable environment for all students. 

We kindly invite you to take part in this survey and share any concerns or suggestions you may have regarding travel to school. 

https://forms.office.com/r/7ePgVJfXms 

Additionally, we encourage you to explore our Your Move school profile for more information about this initiative and its goals:
Your Move School Profile – John Curtin College 

Thank you for your time and valuable input. Together, we can work towards enhancing the safety and sustainability of our school community. 

In March, Year 7 EEE students had an engaging and hands-on learning experience, with two exciting events focused on enhancing their understanding of science and communication. Murdoch University ran a dynamic session on the importance of communication in science, where students participated in a fun and challenging game. In this game, they had to explain complex science concepts using unique communication techniques, such emphasizing every third word, using interpretive dance, describing while performing the YMCA, or limiting themselves to just one noun, like “duck.” This creative approach helped students appreciate how effective communication is essential in conveying scientific ideas. Additionally, the students visited the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, where they got the opportunity to experience what it’s like to work in a real science lab. This hands-on experience gave them a deeper understanding of the research process and inspired their curiosity about careers in science and medicine. 

Year 8 students had the opportunity to apply their understanding of energy transfer and transformation by building mousetrap cars as part of a hands-on project. Using the potential energy stored in a wound-up mousetrap, students designed and constructed cars that converted this energy into kinetic energy to make the cars move. They applied their physics knowledge to optimize factors like friction, leverage, and the car’s weight to improve speed and distance. As they tested and refined their designs, students gained a deeper understanding of how energy is transferred and transformed in real-world applications. The project not only reinforced key physics concepts but also encouraged teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving, making it an engaging and educational experience for the students. 

Year 9 students had the exciting opportunity to participate in the Soil Science Program run by Murdoch University, where they delved into the fascinating world of soil and its importance to the environment. During the program, students learned about the composition of soil, its role in plant growth, and its impact on the broader ecosystem. They conducted hands-on experiments, analysing soil samples to assess properties such as pH, texture, and nutrient levels. Students also explored the science behind soil conservation and its connection to sustainable agriculture. This program provided them with valuable insights into the field of environmental science, fostering a deeper appreciation for the critical role soil plays in maintaining a healthy planet. 

Year 10 students from the local school embarked on an exciting excursion to the Gravity Discovery Centre in Gingin, Western Australia. This visit provided a hands-on opportunity for students to explore the fascinating world of science, particularly in the fields of physics and astronomy. The centre, allowed students to engage with interactive displays that demonstrated the principles of gravity, motion, and the universe. Highlights included the opportunity to climb the iconic lean tower, where students got to investigate Galileo’s gravity experiment, as well as observing the stunning night sky through powerful telescopes. The excursion not only sparked curiosity but also deepened students’ understanding of the forces that shape our world, making it an unforgettable and educational experience. 

Year 12 students participated in an engaging gel electrophoresis practical, which allowed them to explore the intricacies of DNA analysis. Students carefully observed the patterns formed, which allowed them to analyse the different DNA samples. This hands-on experiment gave students a deeper understanding of molecular biology techniques and reinforced the concepts of DNA structure and function, as well as the practical applications of gel electrophoresis in fields like forensic science and genetic research. This was made possible by the generous support of The John Curtin P&C who purchased the equipment needed for our students to undertake this practical. 

In the Visual Arts Department, we are very happy for our two year 9 students whose artworks have been selected for the prestigious Lester Prize Youth Award for portraiture. The Lester prize is a national art competition and is open to all High School students across Australia from school years 7 to 12. 

Congratulations to Isla Russo and Raf Freitas Salazar who completed their paintings last year with Ms McCaughey. You can view their artworks here and learn more about the other finalists: 

https://www.lesterprize.com/gallery-the-lester-prize-for-portraiture/youth-prize/2025-2/ 

Isla Russo, Nonno oil on canvas, 2024  

I started by taking photos of people in my life who inspire me. My ‘Nonno’, is loving, funny, kind, honest, and helpful. He shares his traditions of food and family, and makes homemade pickled olives and sausages. His hugs are the best, and he is gentle, strong, and wise. Nonno can fix anything.  

In my portrait I have focused on capturing my Nonno. I chose him because he is meaningful to depict. 

The portrait is oil on canvas. Old brushes were used with oil paint, as well as fingertips to smooth areas. The underpainting was achieved in monochromatic bruneille (brown and white) and then glazed with yellows and reds as the next layer. More layers and colours were then added with oil paint to create tonal range with lights and darks, and to blend tones and create three dimensional features on his nose and ear. This overall process is how I captured Nonno’s warmth and wisdom. 

Raf Freitas Salazar Brother (Portrait) oil on canvas  

I wanted to capture the expression of my brother annoyed by the sunlight falling on his face. Starting with a sepia underpainting, I painted in a realistic style. I added colour and glaze to build the features. In my photo, sunlight poured through a grate and landed on the cheek and end of the hair. This lighting created a stark contrast between the fleshy-brown tones of the skin and the warm peachy tones where the light hit. Whilst it was challenging to work with the sepia underpainting, it helped with depth of colour, contrast of skin tone and highlights on the cheek and hair.  Another challenge was capturing the expression in the eyes and warm and cooler tones in the hair. This artwork enriched my understanding of the human face’s form and its interaction with light. 

Proposed contributions and charges for 2025 were emailed to the Fee Biller on 2 December 2024 for your child/children enrolled at John Curtin College of the Arts.   

Statements relating to the current charges will be emailed to the Fee Biller during February which will highlight any subject changes made between December and now.  This information will also include any payments or adjustments made during this period. 

Secondary Assistance Scheme Applications (SAS) and 2025 College Payment Plan need to be returned to the college should you wish to apply.  SAS closes on Friday 11 April 2025. 

2025 accounts are required to be settled prior to 11 April 2025 unless arrangements have been made with the college.   

If your child is enrolled in a Gifted and Talented or Football Specialist course, you are likely aware that the college requires payment of associated charges, as outlined in the Code of Agreement. These payments help cover costs for costumes, performances, workshops, guest teachers, football games, finals match, and other essential components of the course. 

The college makes significant investments in productions, extensions, and specialist opportunities, so it’s important to understand that these events require substantial financial support. If your child has any outstanding compulsory charges from previous years, there may be restrictions in casting for performances, representing the college in matches, or taking part in other costly components of the course in 2025. 

If you have any queries regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact Liane Hadlow, Manager of Corporate Services via email [email protected] 

 Payments can be made via 

 Click here to view more information  Contribution and Charges • John Curtin College of the Arts (jc.wa.edu.au) 

Parents/Guardians that hold a current concession card may be eligible to claim financial assistance. Forms need to be completed on a yearly basis. Please visit our school website for further information. Claims should be lodged as soon as possible after the commencement of the new school year. The claims process closes at the end of Term 1, Friday 11 April 2025.