31 August 2018

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal’s Desk

PM Visit

Term three is proving to be quite the whirlwind term and not just because of all of the rain and wind! It was a real coup to have the (now former) Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull visit Kent Street to officially launch National Science Week at our school. We were chosen because of the great work done by our students in CoRE and the reputation that this program is gaining. We are already working with several regional schools for them to pick up the CoRE way in their own schools and expect Tom Price Senior High School to launch Pilbara CoRE in 2019! This is very exciting for all concerned. As an Independent Public School, we are proud to focus on the key word – public – and to remember that Kent Street is part of a dynamic network of schools, willing to support others in their endeavours to offer their students the high quality opportunities that are offered to our students. Watch this space to see who comes on board next!

Variety Showdown

As you will read in this newsletter, we hosted our tenth and final Variety Show this year. Hats off to all of the cast, crew, support staff and students who made this yet another extravaganza of talent. I was so impressed with the juggling … because I can’t juggle for peanuts … but also because I know that many of the students showcasing this talent ALSO couldn’t juggle before they learnt how in Drama this year. I know that the Arts team have big plans for future showcasing opportunities. I would like to acknowledge Rose Benson, the team leader of the Variety Show for the last ten years. She has set the standard for the team to rise to from this point forward for sure.

School Review

This term, we are finally engaging in our first official School Review process as an Independent Public School. The new on-line way of submitting our self-assessment is impressive in its simplicity and we look forward to presenting additional information to the panel on Wednesday 5 September. We are pleased with how the school has progressed over the last three years and have great initiatives in place to ensure that we stay on course for further improvement. A formal report will be provided at the end of the process and this will be shared on our website.

Have Your Say

Very soon, you will get a chance to provide your views on how Kent Street is faring via the national survey tool. It takes less than ten minutes of your time and we use this valuable data to help set goals for the future. Your contributions matter so please take the time to rate your school.

Student Panel on a National Level

I had the pleasure of accompanying two of our Year 12 students to an event at the Fremantle Esplanade Hotel today. It was a meeting of the heads of curriculum from across Australia with a focus on senior secondary schooling, the future of VET and ATAR in our schools. Pyper Greenwood and Aiden Padua, pictured here with the Executive Director of our School Curriculum and Standards Authority, Allan Blagaich, served on a student panel and provided their views on the range of pathways open to young people today. I was proud to be associated with them. They spoke eloquently about their personal educational journeys and responded well to questions from the panel chair. They also looked pretty spectacular in our formal blazers and ties! I would like to formally thank them both for giving up their time to ensure that the leaders in education could hear the student perspective on the varieties of pathways available today.

WA Education Awards

This term it was also announced that I was declared a finalist in the 2018 WA Education Awards for Secondary Principal of the Year. It is an enormous honour to be nominated by my staff and have that endorsed by our School Board. To be shortlisted as one of four finalists in my category is icing on the cake. The winner won’t be announced until late November but I am truly honoured that so many people in my working world have seen fit to recognise me in this way. I am in fine company and, whilst it would be great kudos for the school if I was declared the winner, I really consider myself a winner already because I get to be the principal at this fine school.

A Special Message to our Year 12s

I take this opportunity to wish our Year 12s who are preparing for their Semester Two exams or closing out their courses and certificates all the very best in their endeavour. Whether you are aiming for that magical ATAR or on a VET pathway, this final run to the end of the line requires that you keep your eye on your goals and that you take good care of yourself. Sleep, healthy food, regular exercise and some quality down time … these are the first four things that go by the wayside when people are under pressure and they are also the four key things that will help you keep on top of it all. So, have a study plan, set deadlines, but mark in time to get enough sleep, eat well, exercise and do something that you consider fun – catch up with friends, go for a swim, see a movie – something that will recharge your batteries so that you can achieve to the best of your ability because you are on top of your game!

Kath Ward
Principal

From the Manager Corporate Services

Payment of Contributions and Charges

Thank you to those families who have paid their 2018 Voluntary Contributions and Charges. Account statements were sent out in February and reminders were sent in May and August.

Our collection rate for Year 7-10 Voluntary Contributions currently stands at 64% (69% collected in 2017). The collection rate for Year 7-12 compulsory charges is 62% as opposed to 85% for 2017. Without your assistance in paying the Voluntary Contributions and Charges, we are not able to provide the best possible educational outcomes for our students.

WARNING: The school uses a debt collection agency.

Senior School Charges (Year 11 and 12), Specialist Program Charges (Year 7 to 12) and Elective Charges (Year 9 and 10) are compulsory as per Department of Education Policy. Unpaid compulsory charges are referred to our debt collection agency in February each year.

The school offers a variety of payment options:

• Qkr app (preferred online payment method), cash, cheque, EFTPOS including credit card facilities (credit card payments are also able to be phoned through).
• Direct deposit to our bank account: BSB: 066128 A/C No: 00900195
• (Please ensure that the following format is adhered to, this will ensure the correct account is credited: (EG: If you are paying contributions & charges please enter Joe Smith Yr 8 CC)
• BPay: Code and reference are listed on account statements
• Arrange a payment plan. If you have any queries or would like to set up a payment plan, please contact the Finance Officer – Julianne Vaitekenas on 9262 0500.

60 Minutes Report

As the time came closer to 8:30, students were scurrying together trying to gather all their equipment and prepare for experiments. By 8:30 the crew from 60 Minutes were in the building preparing to film Ms. Urbaniak’s classroom and to interview her.

By around 8:40 they started to film the classroom and were off and away asking students as well as Ms. Urbaniak about how her classroom works and the experiments that they were doing.

After some light interviews, Ms. Urbaniak showed the 60 Minutes crew her iconic Tectonic Plates Dance.

Later on in the day, 4 Year 12 Media students helped the crew set up equipment for Ms. Urbaniak’s full interview, we set up lighting and other equipment for about an hour and watched Ms. Urbaniak go through her interview.

The whole three periods that we were there was an interesting learning experience that was great to take part in. Not only did we learn about how Television shoots work and the process behind it, but also gained an insight on Ms. Urbaniak’s teaching style.

Overall it was a helpful, fun and interesting experience that we won’t forget.

Adam Stowers - Year 12 Media student

All-Female community Coaching Course – Big Success

Year 12 student, Shayla McHenry spent the first three days of her school holidays at a Community Coaching Course, run by Tennis West. Shayla has also designed a fun and engaging Tennis program for Year 7 & 8 students at Kent Street Senior High School, encouraging younger students to try a new sport, with Shayla on hand to provide coaching skills and development, as she motivates students to learn Tennis and related movement skills in a fun and engaging way. Shayla has been extremely committed to ensuring the program’s success and in promoting healthy active lifestyles using Tennis as a vehicle. Shayla’s leadership skills have been recognised by Tennis West and local development staff, opening the door for career pathways for this very committed young person.

Western Australia’s first All-Female Community Coaching Course was held from Saturday, 30 June to Monday, 2 July 2018 at the State Tennis Centre, as part of Tennis Australia’s national initiative to boost qualified female tennis coaches in Australia.

Tennis Australia fully subsidised the three-day course, with 18 females signing up to being their tennis coaching journey. Run by Tennis Australia Coach Developers, Christina Ladyman, (Coach Resource – Project Manager) and Bojana Bobusic, the course covered coaching methodologies, the ANZ Tennis Hot Shots program and much more.

“I couldn’t be happier with how to group progressed” said Christina Ladyman, Coach Resources – Project Manager. “They were interactive and engaged for the whole time, I’m really looking forward to following their coaching journeys.” We wish the coaches all the best as they start their tennis journey!

Clare Clayton & Michelle Ninyette

Prime Minister visits Kent Street to Launch National Science Week

The now former Australian Prime Minister, Mr Malcom Turnbull together with Federal Member and Minister for Science and Innovation, Ms Michaelia Cash and Federal Member representing Victoria Park, Mr Steve Irons visited Kent Street to launch National Science Week on the back of the great work both staff and students produce through their involvement in the CoRE (Centre of Resource Excellence) program at Kent Street. This program is designed around a true STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) approach where students can use their investigative skills to tackle new and innovative ways of looking at the world around us. Through this program being the first of its kind in the state and around Australia and the work currently being conducted in taking the program to our regional schools, the profile Kent Street has established has definitely come to the attention of our current political leaders. Mr Turnbull, Ms Cash and Mr Irons spent an hour and a half being taken trough the CoRE journey by students within the program. Students conducted experiments, explained theories, used 21st Century technology such as coding and automation to provide our special guests with an insight into the direction science is heading into the future.

We would like to acknowledge our CoRE staff in Ms Urbaniak, Ms Booth and past teacher Mr McFadden in the time and effort that has been put into making this program unique and so very effective. Students presenting their ideas to the politicians should be very proud of their achievements, their passion and the high esteem they displayed in representing the school and themselves during their session with the PM. This was a once in a lifetime experience that all involved will look back on with fond thoughts and the realisation that “we” were the school best equipped, most innovative and driven with courage to achieve, who gained the attention of Mr Turnbull and Ms Cash in order to launch National Science Week for 2018.

Well done to all involved. Exciting to say the least. Our Science future is in good hands with the calibre of scientific work being produced at Kent Street SHS.

Mr Cardenia
HOLA Science.

Quiz Night – A night to remember

On the 3rd of August 2018, the student councillors held a quiz night in the staffroom in Kent Street Senior High School. We raised approximately $2500 from this night, including the ticket prices and refreshments sold to guests. This money was raised for the school, mostly to buy something for the benefit of students. The principal, Mrs Kath Ward was joined by school staff members to support this fundraising event by participating in the quiz night. It was a success overall. On behalf of all student council members, we would like to thank everyone who supported us.

Vinodaarshini Vigneswaran
Head Girl

Kent Street CoRE Resources Challenge 2018

The Kent Street CoRE Resources Challenge continues to grow and capture the engagement and competitiveness of our local Primary Schools. This year, 13 teams from 7 different schools were mentored through 3 major events in a day filled with fun, opportunity and learning experiences. The Resources Challenge continues to expose students of all ages to a potential career pathway within the Resources Industry.

Some feedback from our Year 9 Mentor’s

“New experience, a lot of learning opportunity”

“A fun day for everyone! Entertaining!”

“The kids really seemed to like the activities and it was fun being a mentor in the Challenge”

Our Year 9 CoRE students are to be commended for the extraordinary experience that they delivered through their efforts in training and leading their teams throughout the day! Well done to Collier Primary School Team 2 (mentored by Year 9 CoRE student Levi Morris-Mulcahy and Year 10 CoRE mentor Bei Yi Tin) who won the Challenge Trophy and $500 in prize money towards STEM equipment for their school.

Finally we would like to recognise and extend our appreciation to the community and industry groups who get behind this amazing event to make it a success each year. Thank you to Alex Atkins our inspiring speaker, the Fortescue Metals Group Judging Team, the WASM Wallabies and the Primary School Teachers who support this event year in, year out.

2018 Young Australian’s Plan for the Planet

Kent Street is once again leading the West Australian Chapter of the Young Person’s Plan for the Planet National program. Now in its 2nd year, the initiative provides a platform for students to research economical, ecological and social issues unique to various Ecozones within their State. Students then use their research to build an Individual Summary Plan for each of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This not only culminates in our students being provided with a national platform to voice their vision for Australia beyond 2030, but moreover, provides networking opportunities with like-minded students throughout the country and pathways to sustainable futures.

I would like to acknowledge the extra-curricular efforts of our amazing Year 9 CoRE students in producing two exceptional Ecozone Plans and a combined State Plan. It was fabulous to see their efforts being recognised by the National Program Director, Mr Ian Chambers during his visit to the school in July.

Here are just a few of the group’s State Visions;

“Provide people from all ethnicities, races and religions, a right towards access to justice and institutions of choice”

• Portia Claudius

“Water preservation, excess elimination!”

• Payman Nazamyar & Rhys Clemence

“By 2030 we see WA’s people with healthier minds and bodies, achieving a physically and mentally healthy environment for all”

• Juliana Sabio & Lugisah Lako

“I see Western Australia as a comfortable and big community that encourages sustainable practices”

• Paola Cana Machado

Goodbye to The Variety Shows 2009 - 2018 – “DEJA WHO?”

“Deja Who?” was the title of the 10th Kent Street Variety Show for 2018.

The reason the students chose this title was because we revisited the past and welcomed back some of the characters who have graced our Gym Theatre Stage over the past 9 years – from 2009 to 2017. We managed to find the Golden Island Palm Tree ‘flat’ which we used in 2009 to create the background for the Poet Pirates. After adding the golden coconuts and the pirate ship which had survived in storage the island was reborn. The King of the Island had a discussion with the three witches from Macbeth (now relaxing on the island’s beach) and they brewed a perfume containing a spell. Whosoever sprayed the perfumed spell, immediately wanted to visit the island and SAVE THE WORLD from Evil Neo! The costumes were clever and students enjoyed putting them together.

Then, in the best traditions of theatre, they had a celebratory party at the King’s palace. Thus, (good dramatic word that!) a few Poet Pirates with their Captain, More Tea, the Mad Hatter, Alice on holiday, the Doormouse, Captain Sparkles, IClean, Frankie’s Monster, the Witches, a parody of Will & Grace, a couple of zombies and a couple of rowing (as in argument, not paddling a canoe) humans were joined by, wait for it … Dr Whom (a parody of her famous relative) and her much ‘put-upon’ companion, to carry all the picnic gear. Perfumes were delivered around the world by the Tardy and the Doctor, and resulted in a splendid party attended by Elvis and Michael Jackson lookalikes, singing ‘Sailing’, re-enacting “Thriller” and dancing to ‘The Time Warp’ which is where we ended years ago. We’ve come a long way since then.

This brings us to the music. Our brilliant and versatile musicians left us all feeling joyful and provided everyone with excellent accompaniments that fitted in with the idea of revisiting past shows. ‘Fur Elise’ was an interesting, fast rendition of an old classic, ‘Stairway to Heaven’ and some great Country & Western and Blues were highlights of the show. Such great talent included other songs such as ‘Zombie’, and soloists, one on her yukele, singing ‘Lemonade’ and another on guitar singing ‘Captain’. Brilliant!

Thanks also go to our Café 15 students who provided tea, coffee and cake in the intervals each evening, supervised by a teacher but they were all highly efficient and much appreciated by the audience – had some great feedback on the chocolate brownies!

A highlight of the evening was the newly formed Year 7 Circus Troupe, all members of who were amazing while entertaining incoming audience in the foyer both with theatre skills such as juggling, poi and devil sticks, and at one point a spectacular tumbling back flip – Wow! The clowns were very funny, clearing up on stage after our talented Dancers had exploded a confetti canon as part of their routine. The dancers are very dedicated and slick, rehearsing long hours in their own recess time and after school – well done

To make all this possible, we are lucky to have a great backstage crew who are willing to tackle any job, from learning stage management, to makeup or laying carpet squares, tidying up the auditorium, welcoming guests at the door and acting as security. All of this was kept running smoothly – mostly – by our two versatile MCs, Pyper Greenwood and Nikia Rockley, and after 3 performances, the Thursday night show, as usual, was very special. Great fun and happy memories made, once again.

The best part, nowadays? With all our newly acquired technology we can use a multitude of lights and project whatever backgrounds we need instead of changing sets or devising the show around flats painted to represent settings – now it’s so easy to tell the stories with lovely scenes – even rolling waves on a sun drenched palm tree island. The best part of that is that students, with help from teachers and a technician, are learning to manage the control desk which could lead to a career later. Our media and photography students film the event and provide us with a lasting record of how much everyone enjoys The Variety Shows. We even had past students returning to help! A lot of students voluntarily took on the various roles to produce and run the show, perform and support this whole school tradition. We are grateful to all the parents, guardians, staff and students who support us.

Thank you

What’s happening next year I hear you say?

Well – it’s undecided, but watch this space for other upcoming events from our wonderful, fabulous students and the dedicated, creative, hardworking and patient staff in the Arts.

Pedal Prix – Busselton

What a weekend for a 6-hour race down on the Busselton foreshore. On 18 August 2018 the Kent Street CoRE Pedal Prix team headed down for the 2018 Busselton Pedal Prix. After eating lunch and setting up camp we headed down to the hall for the scrutionary event based on the maintenance and safety of the trike. Learning from our mistakes, we also learnt many new skills about teamwork and cooperation. The day of the race was amazing with all members putting in 100% effort, whether in the pits or on the track, despite having many flat tyres. Coming around strong on the last lap we then gained another flat tyre, but, having all members race to the cart so we could finish off the race was very overwhelming. Thanks to all the parents, Ms Urbaniak and Ms Booth who gave up their weekend to help us out. It couldn’t have been done without you and is greatly appreciated.

Air Traffic Control Tower visit

It was only the 3rd week of school and the students of class 7.1 Kent Street Aviation program went on an excursion to Perth Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower. The students got a taste of what an Air traffic controller does in his/her shift. We saw all their equipment and learned about their roles in the tower.

There were 3 people controlling the planes that day and their roles were:

1. A ground controller, in charge of all the taxiways and aprons.
2. An Airways Clearance Delivery controller was in charge of confirming aircraft routes and intentions.
3. The Tower controller was in charge of all runways, he clears runways for departures and inbound aircraft.
4. Lastly, there was a Tower manager doing admin work inside the tower and looking over the controllers. He was the one that was giving us the tour.

The controllers’ equipment was all digital and very up to date; each controller had 4 screens in front of him: 1 for the ground radar, 1 for airborne radar, 1 for aircraft information, and 1 for ground systems.

We learnt how stressful the controllers’ jobs could be as there were 2 aerodromes within 20 nautical miles of the Airport: Jandakot General Aviation airport and RAAF base Pearce. We all got a sneak peek at the planned new Parallel Runway.

After doing all the learning we all went onto the 360˚ balcony to do some plane spotting, and watched different planes depart and land for around 1 hour. Some of us even rated the landing and some just admired the view! Overall, everybody enjoyed the insight into the tower and its staff.

Elliot Pascoe and Joel Padua
Year 7 Aviation students

The Aspiration Initiative (TAI)

The Aspiration Initiative (TAI) is designed to enhance academic achievement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students, simultaneously paving the way to university. The aim of the program is for all students to complete high school with the foundational academic skills necessary for engagement and success at university and higher education.

Our Approach - TAI works closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students and their parents and/or carers for six years - from Year 8 through to the end of their first year out of high school. A big part of TAI methodology is engaging, facilitating and supporting families, high schools, and the young person’s community to link together, so that students can reach their full academic potential.

Aurora provides every student with over 200 hours of individualised support each year, including:

• 20 days of residential academic camps held in school holidays
• ongoing strengths based case managed support for students and their parents/carers
• tutoring and mentoring
• academic resources and equipment they would otherwise be unable to access.

Congratulations to the following students who are part of this wonderful program: Phoebe Bates, Tameeka Elwell, Makeisha Haack, Alyssa Hill, Kaylin Ugle and Jarrah Wyatt.

Every TAI camp revolves around an important theme with special experiences to test young thinkers’ minds, bodies and spirits. Overall there are 18 camps, each with a different theme. They piece together to tell a bigger story which is about both developing identity and skill as we strive for excellence in a fast-changing world.

The second TAI camp was held on Wadjuk boodja (country) a lot closer to home at Bickley Outdoor Recreation Camp on the edge of the Korung National Park in Orange Grove, from 2nd to 8th July, with 19 young TAI thinkers attending from schools around the Perth metropolitan area.

The theme of this camp was JOURNEY; with some continuing their journey from last camp, while others began their journey with TAI. Students explored aspects of their past, present and future and our Elders were able to share with our young thinkers their knowledge relating to the theme of Journey.

At the beginning of camp, we journeyed to Woodman’s Point where Uncle Noel shared the Dreaming of the saltbush, the butterfly and the ant. At TAI we do STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) the Nyoongar way! Here in the South-West, Aboriginal people have a rich collective wisdom that has been passed down through the generations for over 60,000 years. Our people are some of the world’s first astronomers, agriculturalists and engineers. A crucial skill in Aboriginal culture is being a careful observer of nature. During the week we looked at how using this skill can help us innovate and solve problems – otherwise known as biomimicry. We journeyed into Perth to meet up with STEM professionals from Microsoft and Commonwealth Bank and worked together to complete challenges.

Tameeka was chosen to take on Leadership responsibilities, which were carried out with much maturity and she was a fantastic role model. Throughout this camp as well as camp 1, Tameeka has shown at various times her leadership skills and is looked up to by her peers in this way. Her leadership skills continued in her role as MC for the Showcase presentation.

Aunty Gladys saw Phoebe’s potential Leadership skills and chose her to be a female student Leader. Phoebe also learnt to play the ukelele in a couple of days and performed with her group at Showcase.

Kaylin stood up with the Slam Poetry group to deliver their slam poem to parents/caregivers, which spoke about their TAI Journey so far. The Camp ended with students presenting a Showcase to parents/caregivers.

Tameeka Elwell – Year 8 student

CoRE 2018 Kalgoorlie Field Trip

Alfie – It was a great trip to a real industry hotspot. It was really engaging and fun.

Jared – I enjoyed looking at the Super Pit.

Blake – My favourite part was seeing the Super Pit.

Tatenda – I enjoyed going to all of the historical places significant to our resources industry

Harland – I liked seeing the visual history of the museum.

Charles – I think that the Super Pit should be one of the 7 wonders of the world, it is amazing!

Mishitha – It was a great experience overall, but the best thing was watching the Super Pit for real.

Paul – The best thing was the trip and the journey to and from Kalgoorlie because it really bonded us together as a classroom.

Tahnee – While on the trip we got to see the Super Pit. It was a cool experience.

Nathan – It was great to have such an amazing opportunity to be with the industry.

Jasper – I enjoyed the Super Pit tour a lot.

Brodie – I enjoyed how we went into the Super Pit, very cool.

Jasmin – I enjoyed talking to the people from the industry after our presentation.

Nina – I enjoyed presenting the website the most to all the guests.

Su Yin – I enjoyed everything especially because I felt independent making my own food.

Aboriginal Leadership Program

The West Coast Eagles in partnership with AGL and the Wirrpanda Foundation offer Western Australian high schools the opportunity to take part in our Aboriginal Leadership Program. Students at Kent Street Senior High School participated in a 6-week Leadership program, which culminated in the Waalitj Cup and tour of the facilities at Optus Stadium.

The program is targeted at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from years 8 to 10 and is a six-session values-based leadership program, focusing on developing leadership through the topics of cultural identity, goal setting, teamwork, diabetes and alcohol. Content is heavily aligned with outcomes of the health curriculum.

This program is delivered by presenters from the West Coast Eagles' schools and community team and the club's Indigenous Liaison Officer, Phil Narkle, in partnership with mentors from the Wirrpanda Foundation. It is an interactive education-through-sport program which aims to equip participants with valuable life skills and deliver positive health, lifestyle and educational messages.

Program structure

The Aboriginal Leadership Program is comprised of six one-hour sessions, the first five of which are held at the participating school. The sixth and final session is set aside to reward students for their participation and involves a visit to the West Coast Eagles Football Club and tour through the facilities of the "inner sanctum".

New Cricket Pavilion

With the support of SPOCK (Supportive Parents of Cricket Kids), the school has committed to building stage 1 of a new cricket pavilion. Initially the building will include a large function/ teaching area and 2 change rooms.

Stage 2 is planned for the future; to add a kitchen, toilet and storage area.

The cricket pavilion will be built on the site of the existing transportable buildings on the cricket oval.

The school has established a Building Fund. All donations above $2 are tax deductible. Feel free to donate to this worthy cause!

Athletics Carnival 2018

The Interhouse Athletics Carnival was held on Friday 24 August 2018. This was our best carnival yet, with participation numbers and therefore overall points scored increasing dramatically from previous years. The Health and PE staff would like to thank all Kent Street staff members who worked hard all day to ensure their assigned event ran smoothly.

This year, for the first time, we selected House Captains for each year group. They played a big role in the lead up to carnival day in promoting participation in the carnival and their hard work certainly paid off. Well done to all of our House Captains! We had some outstanding performances on the day leading to selection from some of our students in the Interschool Athletics team to compete in week 1, term 4. However, we would like to congratulate ALL students who earnt house points on the day by competing in events! The results of the 2018 Interhouse Athletics Carnival are:

1st Place: Centaur (1464 points)
2nd Place: Phoenix (1093 points)
3rd Place: Gryphon (1028 points)
4th Place: Pegasus (856 points)

Kentian News

Know your Committee

The Kentian Society Management Committee is elected by the broader membership each year at the Annual General Meeting and the current members are:

Most members attended Kent Street over a broad period and their life experiences are varied and interesting. A brief profile of each Committee Member will be provided in this and future editions, starting with the following two:

Bill Prince

Bill attended Kent Street from 1957 to 1961. Following tertiary education, to qualify as a high school teacher, he enjoyed a successful and fulfilling career with the Education Department, serving in Government high schools throughout the State from 1964 to 2000.

An inaugural member of the Kentian Society, he has been on the Committee since 2000 and has served as Chairman since 2006. Bill is also Chairman of the Kentian Scholarship Foundation and provides strong and effective leadership to both groups.

These roles require close liaison with the school administration and an excellent rapport and working relationship has been established with the school, with the help of a supportive and co-operative Principal.

Mrs Pat Sanders (nee McArdell)

Pat was a student at Kent Street from 1957 to 1963. She then attended Graylands Teachers’ College and after qualifying as a primary school teacher, taught at Bullsbrook Junior High and South Perth Primary Schools.

Following further studies, Pat qualified as a Home Economics Teacher and specialised in this subject at the Port Hedland High School.

Pat was married in 1969 and her time was well occupied in raising 5 daughters, teaching and in partnership with her husband, operating small business enterprises, in catering and food retail, including a restaurant.

Pat was widowed in 2010 and joined the Kentian Society. Taking a keen interest in the archiving of school records and memorabilia, she is now the Society’s Official Archivist and undertakes the role with passion and enthusiasm.

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