The Lumen Bulletin - Week Nine Term Four

Welcome to the final Lumen Bulletin for 2024. Last week, our school community came together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students at the Year 7-11 Award Ceremony. It was a truly memorable occasion, filled with inspiration, pride, and a strong sense of togetherness as we acknowledged the incredible efforts of our young learners. 

The ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of our students across a wide range of areas, from academics, sports and leadership. To each award recipient, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. Your dedication, hard work, and resilience have not only earned you recognition but also set a powerful example for others.  

Our performers also deserve a special mention for the joy and inspiration they brought to the ceremony. Their talents, whether through music or dance, reminded us of the importance of creativity and the arts in enriching our lives and our community. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us, you truly added joy to the occasion. 

Behind the scenes, many individuals worked tirelessly to make this event a success. From the meticulous planning to the seamless execution, the efforts of staff, students, and volunteers were evident in every aspect of the ceremony.  

While we celebrated the achievements of 2024, our focus also turned to the future with the 2025 Student Leadership Team. This talented group of students participated in a two-day planning retreat, which served as an opportunity for them to come together, reflect on their roles, and develop a shared vision for the year ahead. 

To our 2025 leaders, I have no doubt that you will make a meaningful difference in your roles. Your willingness to step forward and embrace the responsibilities of leadership is a credit to your character, and I look forward to seeing the many ways you will contribute to the life of our school in the year ahead. 

As reports are released this week, I encourage all our students to reflect on their achievements, set new goals, and continue striving for excellence. Together, we have much to celebrate and even more to look forward to in 2025. 

To the families and staff that will be leaving our community at the end of the year, we thank you for your contributions and pray that the Light of Christ continues to provide direction and inspiration for all of your endeavours. 

As we approach the end of another remarkable year, I wish the entire Lumen Christi College community a safe and enjoyable break. At Wednesday’s assembly, students were encouraged that throughout this Christmas season, they may perhaps focus less on the gifts they receive, but more towards the virtue of giving. They were challenged to consider how they could help or better treat others, and our hope is that each of them carry a spirit of kindness and generosity into their homes throughout the holiday break. May this Christmas season bring peace, love, and unity to those close to you. I pray you find joy in the company of loved ones, and may the light of Christ shine brightly in your hearts this festive season. 

God bless.

Peter Sackett
College Principal

Term One
Wednesday, 5 February  - Year 7, Year 11 & Year 12 and all new students commence
Thursday, 6 February - Year 8, Year 9 & Year 10 students commence
Monday, 3 March - Labour Day Public Holiday
Friday, 21 March - Harmony Day Community Mass
Friday, 11 April - End of Term One for students
Friday, 18 April - Good Friday (during school holidays)
Monday, 21 April - Easter Monday (during school holidays)
Friday, 25 April - Anzac Day (during school holidays)

Term Two
Monday, 28 April - Staff PL Day (student free day)
Tuesday, 29 April - Parent/Teacher/Student interviews (student free day)
Wednesday, 30 April - All students commence Term Two
Friday, 4 July - End of Term Two for students

Term Three
Monday, 21 July - All students commence Term Three
Friday, 22 August - Staff PL Day (student free day)
Monday, 25 August - Lumen Catholic Day (College closed)
Thursday, 25 September - End of Term Three for students
Thursday, 25 September - Last day for Year 12 students
Friday, 26 September - Staff PL Day (student free day)

Term Four
Monday, 6 October – Wednesday, 15 October - Year 12 College ATAR exams
Monday, 13 October - Year 7-11 students commence Term Four
Friday, 24 October - Year 12 Graduation Mass & Ceremony
Wednesday, 29 October – Friday 21 November - Year 12 WACE exams
Friday, 7 November - Last Day for Year 11 students
Monday, 10 November - Staff PL Day (student free day)
Tuesday, 2 December - College Awards Ceremony Year 7-11
Friday, 12 December - Last day for students
Wednesday, 17 December - Last day for staff

As part of the Year 9 Civics and Citizenship curriculum, students learn about how political parties are formed, their campaigns and how they seek election. For the past five weeks, Year 9s have been forming their own parties and creating political campaigns to seek the votes needed for election.

Having completed mini elections in their classes, six parties battled it out to see which political party would come out on top in the 2024 Lumen Election. The parties were:

1. The Next Gen Leaders
2. The McLovin’ Party
3. The Life Logic and Liberty Party
4. The Solar Justice Party
5. The Alliance for Change
6. The Student Voice Party

Wednesday of Week Eight saw 283 students take part in the election, voting for their preferred party and enjoying a democracy sausage sizzle as part of the authentic election experience, including having to navigate our six political parties and their how to vote cards!

In the end it was a tight race, with only nine votes separating the two top parties. The HASS department is pleased to announce that the winners of the 2024 Lumen Election were The Solar Justice Party, attaining 146 votes, four votes above the required 142 required to win.

Well done to all Year 9 students for their hard work in the lead up to the election and special thanks to the HASS department and staff volunteers who helped the day to run smoothly.

Without people to help there would be no people power!

Robert Dale and Alex Boyer
Head of Humanities and Humanities Teacher

On Wednesday, 26 November Cultural Program students went on an excursion to Winjan Aboriginal Corporation in Mandurah.

Students travelled on the school bus to meet with other local schools and enjoy cultural activities led by Winjan rangers in partnership with South Metropolitan TAFE and Jobs & Skills Centre.

Students went on a guided bushwalk, learning about the role of a bush ranger and traditional uses for plants.

Elders taught students and staff traditional fire making, face painting with ochre and string making while yarning around the fire.

The following week, on Tuesday, 3 December Cultural Program students enjoyed an end of year incursion, with special guests from Kalyakoorl.

Students experienced a half day of cultural activities, including traditional tool making, tap stick making, painting and weaving. This began with yarning and storytelling around the fire at Lumen’s yarning circle and was followed by a reflection of the day over lunch. Students were able to take home tools and artwork they had made, with the guidance of professional artists, educators and important knowledge from Elders.

Kirsten Cox
Aboriginal Liaison Officer

CEWA's Virtual School Network (ViSN) is a program that offers online courses for Year 11 and Year 12 students at Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) schools. This is a great opportunity for students to take courses that are not available at their own school. Students from all round the state are joined together via online learning with a dedicated ‘virtual’ teacher and school based staff mentor. 

On Tuesday, 3 and Wednesday, 4 December four of our ViSN students attended the annual camp at UWA Trinity Residential College to get to know other students in their courses and meet their ‘virtual’ teacher ahead of the 2025 school year. It was also a great opportunity to meet the country students who will be joining them online. The camp included 'getting to know you' activities and sessions on how to succeed within the online learning environment.

Janine Creighton
ViSN Mentor

At the beginning of 2025, all students in Years 7 and 8 as well as students new to the College will be required to wear the new College Uniform. Across 2025, students in Year 9 – 12 may continue to wear items from the previous uniform, however all students at the College in 2026 will be required to wear the new uniform from Term One, 2026.

Please refer to the College Uniform and Presentation Policy and Lookbook for further information about the College Uniform.

The Annual Community Meetings of the Catholic School Advisory Council (CSAC) and the Parent Voice will be held in The Discovery Centre, Wednesday, 26 February 2025 at 6:30pm.  

The College is seeking additional members from the College community to join the Advisory Council. The Council meets once per term. Members participate in important discussions and contribute to the ongoing growth and success of the College. 

If you have any questions about joining the CSAC or would like to register your interest, please contact the CSAC Chairperson, Louise Archibald louisenicoll@yahoo.com.au or the College Business Manager, Nick Vincent nicholas.vincent@cewa.edu.au  

The College Production for 2025 will take place in Week Two of Term Three. An announcement of which show, and audition details will be published in early Term One 2025.

Congratulations to our Year 11 VET students on completing the year! I hope everyone enjoys a fantastic break and returns refreshed and ready for their final year of school in 2025.

As we approach the end of the year, I’d like to take a moment to thank all our external RTO Providers for their hard work in supporting our VET students throughout the year. Your efforts are much appreciated and do not go unnoticed.

Rosa Nicholls
Head of VET and Transition Services

Mrs Gaffney’s Year 12 Religious Education students gathered througout this year to pray for two Communion candidates, Kanya and Kenzo, from Orana Catholic Primary School. As part of their thoughtful support, the Year 12 students also recently presented the boys with a special gift, and the College provided additional fun gifts for them. These gifts were handed over last week, creating a joyful moment for everyone involved. The staff at Orana Primary were deeply touched and excited by the encouragement from our Lumen students. Their gratitude was warmly expressed, noting that it made the students' prayers more meaningful. Our photo features Kenzo. Kanya was not present on the day to receive his gift.

Lea-Anne Gaffney
Head of Year 12

Throughout Terms Two and Three, our dedicated Year 10, 11, and 12 Diversity students made a significant impact by preparing a large pot of soup each week for the Hope Charity Outreach Program in Armadale. This marks the fourth consecutive year of their invaluable contributions to the Outreach Program.

This year, the students were honored to receive a heartfelt Thank You card from the Hope staff and some of the individuals who benefit from the Outreach services each week. This gesture of gratitude highlights the positive impact our students are making in the community.

Participating in this program has provided our students with a meaningful opportunity to understand and engage in community service, showcasing one of the many ways they can contribute to society.

Thank you to all the students and staff involved in this wonderful initiative. Your efforts are truly appreciated and make a real difference in the lives of many.

Gina Broderick
Coordinator of Education Support

Please be advised that the College will be closed from Friday, 6 December 2024 until Thursday, 16 January 2025.

As the holidays approach, we hope this season brings you time to rest, reconnect, and recharge. For families, holidays can bring challenges for young people as they adjust to changes in routine and potential feelings of disconnection, overstimulation or family stress.

Attached HERE is a resource with tips and external agencies to support their well-being.

Wishing you a restful break, and I look forward to reconnecting in the new year.

Yan Jin
College Counsellor

Congratulations to Lumen Christi College students Mikayla De Cotta & Zoey Dekens who recently performed at the Music Rocks Australia concert at the Rosemount Hotel. 

Zoey performed a solo and played drums and bass for her band, Mo Evie & Otis.

Mikayla also performed a solo and played bass for her band, Rock Chargers

Well done, Mikayla and Zoey!