The Lumen Bulletin - Week Four Term Three

As you know, I have been on leave for the past two months completing a pilgrimage in Northern Spain as well as spending some time with my family in England. It’s great to be back at the College, and I would like to extend my thanks to the Executive Leadership Team, and to Acting Principal Peter Sackett in particular, who stepped in for me while I was absent, allowing me to enjoy this very special experience.  

I would like to share with you some of the highlights of my pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago, as I walked with my husband from the historic town of Sahagún to the beautiful city of Santiago de Compostela, a journey of 370 km which we completed over a 3-week period. 

The Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of St James, has been completed by pilgrims over many centuries. While it is a physical challenge, it is also a spiritual journey, providing a pause from the business of everyday life and allowing time for reflection. 

As I walked, I was reminded of the importance of our spiritual journey. Just as the pilgrimage involves facing challenges and embracing moments of grace, our daily lives are filled with opportunities to grow in faith and character. The Camino’s spirit of respect and mutual support mirrored the values we hold dear as a college—compassion, resilience, and community. 

One of my lasting memories of the pilgrimage was meeting fellow travellers from around the world. Despite our diverse backgrounds, we shared a common purpose and a sense of camaraderie that transcended language and culture. This experience mirrors the diversity and richness of our college community, with each member contributing to our shared mission. 

Arriving in Santiago de Compostela was a moment of both joy and relief! It symbolised the end of the physical journey, while also providing a sense of spiritual fulfillment. I continue to reflect on the experience of the pilgrimage, and feel blessed to have had this opportunity. 

As is evident by the numerous events on the College calendar, Term Three is a busy one across all learning areas. Some of the upcoming events include Science Week, English Week, Religious Education Week, the Year 7 Social, Dance Showcase, Year 11 River Cruise, and our Fathers’ Day Breakfast, just to name a few! I encourage you to keep an eye on the College calendar here.

God bless.

Karen Prendergast
College Principal

We are thrilled to announce our highly anticipated Dance Showcase 2024: ICONIC! Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of spectacular performances on Thursday, 29 August and Friday, 30 August. The showcase will commence promptly at 6:30pm at the Performing Arts Centre.

This year’s showcase promises to be a mesmerising experience, featuring a diverse array of dance styles including liturgical dance, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, ballet, and hip hop. Our talented students have poured their hearts and souls into each performance, and you won’t want to miss the incredible display of artistry and dedication.

Over 100 students from Years 7 to 12 will grace the stage, bringing both class dance routines and extra curricular routines to life. Their hard work and passion for dance will shine through in every movement, making this a truly iconic event.

Tickets are now on sale (and selling fast!) for just $5. Don’t miss your chance to support our young dancers and enjoy a night of phenomenal entertainment. Secure your seats here to witness the extraordinary talent of our students as they present ICONIC!

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this special event with our school community!

Samantha Farley & Kara Beatty
Dance Teachers

On Friday, 2 August students participated in the continuation of “Reclaim the Void” rug weaving project, during the first session of the cultural program in Semester Two. Students were taught about the origins of the project and how to make their own rug, led by Year 12 student, Isabella Tompkin.

Reclaim the Void was born from Ngalia elders in Leonora, Western Australia, expressing pain and grief at ‘those gaping mining holes left all over our country’. The vision is to create a huge ‘dot’ artwork to lay on land affected by mining, created from over 3,500 hand-woven rugs made from discarded fabric by people from around Australia and beyond. The finished artwork, inspired by an original painting by passed Ngalia elder and custodian for country, DW, will express the story of Ngalia tjukurrpa parna - sacred country - in the north-east Goldfields on which it is laid.

Other students gathered in a yarning circle, followed by a mindful bushwalk around the Dam.

These activities served as positive bonding and cultural experiences for students to connect, across different year levels.

The Indigenous Cultural Program commenced in March 2024 and has allowed students to learn and share traditional practices, connect with staff and peers. Last term, students were immersed in a music dance program, resulting in many students performing, some for the first time, at the recent NAIDOC assembly.

We look forward to seeing the finished rugs and enjoying activities this semester in the cultural program.

Kirsten Cox
Aboriginal Liaison Officer

On Friday, 2 August the ACC ISP Team participated in an Indoor Soccer Carnival at Loftus Recreation Centre. Notable performances included:

Ella Thompson: Teamed up with Mater Dei and scored three goals.

Trey Garlett: Made new friends while competing with one of the Mater Dei teams, contributing to their second-place finish.

Dalan Harris: Scored an impressive seven goals during the Outdoor Soccer Carnival.

Omara Godwill: Scored three goals, securing third place for the Lumen Legends.

The team celebrated their achievements with a well-deserved ice cream on the bus ride home.

Gina Broderick
Coordinator of Education Support

Year 10 Drama Incursion

On Thursday, 1 August our Year 10 Drama students participated in a transformative half-day incursion focused on the intriguing world of Absurdism theatre. Guided by the renowned industry professional Thomas Papathanassiou, this workshop provided our students with a unique opportunity to delve into a genre known for its unconventional storytelling and abstract themes.

Throughout the session, Thomas Papathanassiou led our students through a series of exercises designed to unlock the essence of Absurdism. Students explored the nuances of this theatrical style, learning to embrace its illogical sequences, non-linear narratives, and profound existential themes. With expert guidance, they honed their abilities to convey complex emotions and abstract ideas through movement, dialogue, and improvisation.

The workshop was a resounding success, with students fully engaging in the creative process and demonstrating remarkable growth in their dramatic skills. Their dedication and enthusiasm were evident as they experimented with new techniques and pushed the boundaries of traditional theatre.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 10 Drama students for their commitment and passion during this incursion. We eagerly anticipate their upcoming in-class performance task, where they will showcase the skills and insights gained from this enriching experience.

Natalie Cox
Drama Teacher

Year 11 and 12 Drama Incursion

On 25 July our Year 11 and 12 Drama students engaged in a highly beneficial half-day incursion with esteemed industry professional Thomas Papathanassiou. This session focused on the art of realism and deeper characterisation, providing invaluable insights for their upcoming performance of Anton Chekhov's classic play, The Cherry Orchard.

Under the expert guidance of Thomas Papathanassiou, students delved into the psychological complexities of their characters, exploring subtext and the methods of the practitioner, Konstantin Stanislavski. Through a series of intensive exercises, they developed a more profound understanding of their characters' objectives and motivations, enhancing their ability to portray authentic and emotionally resonant performances.

The workshop's emphasis on realism allowed students to refine their skills in conveying genuine human experiences on stage. They practiced techniques to embody their characters fully, interpreting subtle cues and underlying meanings within the script. The focus on psychological realism and detailed character study provided a strong foundation for their upcoming performance.

We are exceptionally proud of our Year 11 and 12 Drama students for their dedication and enthusiasm throughout this incursion. Their commitment to mastering the intricacies of their roles is evident, and we look forward to witnessing their powerful interpretations of The Cherry Orchard in the upcoming performance.

Natalie Cox
Drama Teacher

AcaLumen at Catholic Performing Arts Festival

On Thursday, 1 August our talented AcaLumen choir delivered an outstanding performance at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival held at St Mary's Cathedral. Competing against schools with significantly larger choirs, our small yet exceptional group distinguished themselves, earning several accolades and receiving an abundance of positive feedback.

The AcaLumen ensemble captivated the audience with a series of beautifully harmonized songs, showcasing their professionalism and remarkable tonal quality. The judges and attendees alike were impressed by the choir's ability to produce such a rich and cohesive sound despite their smaller size.

We are incredibly proud of the AcaLumen choir for their dedication and hard work, which clearly shone through in their performance. Their success at this prestigious event is a testament to their talent and commitment to excellence in music, and to their Ensemble Director, Bronwen Herholdt. Congratulations to all the members of AcaLumen for representing our school so admirably and achieving such well-deserved recognition.

Anthony Price
Music Teacher

Contemporary Music at Catholic Performing Arts Festival

On 30 July, our Contemporary Band students delivered electrifying performances at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival. The event featured our Junior Rock Band, Senior Rock Band, and Soul Band, all of whom showcased their talents on a professional stage, providing a memorable experience for all involved.

The Junior Rock Band kicked off the performances with energetic renditions of classic rock anthems. The Senior Rock Band followed, impressing the audience with their polished and dynamic set. Finally, the Soul Band closed the show with soulful tunes that highlighted their exceptional musicality and cohesion.

Each group performed exceptionally well, demonstrating the hard work and dedication they have invested in their craft. The opportunity to perform on a professional stage was invaluable, allowing our students to gain experience and confidence in a real-world setting.

We are immensely proud of our Junior Rock Band, Senior Rock Band, and Soul Band for their outstanding performances at this prestigious event. Their passion for music and commitment to excellence were evident in every note, and we look forward to their continued success in future performances.

Anthony Price
Music Teacher

Earlier this term, a student focus group consisting of students from Year 7-12 provided the College with feedback on the Student Learning Behaviours. The Learning Behaviours are reported on during each semester and frame the Lumen Christi Classroom Behaviour Approach.

Students discussed what the learning behaviour domains - preparedness, relationships, engagement, collaboration, and feedback - look and feel like in the classroom. Students also provided feedback about some potential barriers to the learning behaviours being modelled by students and supported by teachers in lessons.

The student feedback will be analysed and presented to staff to inform our current and ongoing work for the College Vision for Learning. I thank all students who were involved and Ms Carr and Mr Castiello in their support facilitating the workshop for the student focus group.

Marg Tranquille
Vice Principal

Earlier this term, the College hosted a Careers Expo for our Year 10 students, bringing Universities and various VET training providers together to showcase many different career pathways options available to students. 

Students were able to utilise the event to meet one-on-one with experts in various industries, identify the steps required to reach their career aspirations and discover alternative pathways. The day concluded with a Parent Information Evening, where parents were informed of the different pathway options available to students for 2025.  

Rosa Nicholls & Peta Handley

Congratulations to Year 12 students Stella Kennedy and Louise Vinciguerra, who both completed their VET qualifications early. This is an outstanding achievement.

Stella Kennedy – Certificate IV in Community Services (FEC)
Louise Vinciguerra – Certificate IV in Education Support (FEC)

Rosa Nicholls
Head of VET and Transition Services

Congratulations to 2023 Alum, Lucia Cutri who is a 2024 Finalist for WA Trainee of the Year. Choosing to go down a VET pathway at school, along with opportunities for on-the-job training, Lucia has pursued a career in human resources. Exploring a VET pathway has given Lucia a taste of real workplace experience. We are excited to see what the future holds for her.

We wish Lucia the best of luck!

Rosa Nicholls
Head of VET and Transition Services

Year 7 student Milani Colbung has been selected to represent Western Australia in the 2024 Netball 12s Girls Championship.

This team will be competing at the School Sport Australia National Championships in Parkville, VIC in September 2024.

State representation is an honour and often represents a significant stepping stone in the ultimate achievement of senior and national selection.

We would like to congratulate Milani on her incredible sporting achievements and wish the WA team the best in their September competition. 

Murdoch | Open Nights: Health & Education
28 August, 2024

Join us to see how a degree from Murdoch University can prepare you for a career within health industries or teaching the next generation of thinkers. Learn how you can use your passion for sport, rehabilitation, language, science, leadership and compassion to improve the lives of others. Murdoch’s degrees are designed by specialist academics and industry partners to ensure that our students are prepared for emerging industry and global trends. For more information, please go to MU Open Nights: Health & Education (murdoch.edu.au)

Murdoch | Open Nights: Sciences, Information Technology, Engineering & Maths
29 August, 2024

Join us for a night of innovation as we explore how a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics degree from Murdoch University equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to solve complex problems, think critically, and adapt to new technologies. Murdoch’s degrees are designed by specialist academics and industry partners to ensure that our students are prepared for emerging industry and global trends. For more information, please go to MU Open Nights: Sciences, Information Technology, Engineering & Maths (murdoch.edu.au)

Peta Handley
Career Co-ordinator

Please be advised that there have been slight changes to some of our Private Bus Service routes. To view the bus services, click here.

View the College Calendar

Enrolments for Year 7 2026 are now open with interviews underway. If you are yet to submit your enrolment application, please do so here. Please note, enrolments for Year 7 2025 are now at capacity.