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Teaching and Learning Update

AngliSchools Masterclass – Term 2

Following the success of the AngliSchools Masterclass on the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) during Term 1, our next Heads of Inclusive Education Network meeting will include a follow-up professional learning opportunity.

A Masterclass will be held on Thursday 28 May at 9:00am (AWST). Amanda Fernihough, General Manager of Inclusive Education from the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia (AISWA) schools will lead this session. Amanda will explore the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, focusing on how schools can implement escalated levels of intervention to ensure all students are supported to succeed. Invitations have been distributed to schools via the AngliSchools Heads of Inclusive Education and Heads of English networks.

Launching our Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Network

The AngliSchools Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Network has been established to build collective capacity in Generative AI, support professional practice, and strengthen innovation across the system.

Principals have nominated representatives from across our schools to support this important work, with the network bringing together expertise to drive learning and collaboration system-wide. The inaugural Generative AI Network meeting was held on Tuesday 5 May, strengthening AngliSchools coordinated and future-focused approach to integrating AI and emerging technologies across our schools.

Additionally, the AngliSchools Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Framework was developed in conjunction with Working Party representatives from across our schools and is a key focus for shaping the future of learning. This Framework aims to guide and support our schools to integrate Generative AI, while aligning and connecting with our Vision for Learning. Resources are available via the AngliSchools Policy Portal and include a Generative AI Position Statement, Generative AI Teacher Quick Guide, and Generative AI for Learning: Student Use Table.

It Takes a Spark! STEM Conference 2026

The It Takes a Spark! STEM Conference is a unique opportunity for students and educators in Western Australia to learn together. Hosted by Frederick Irwin Anglican School, this event takes place during Term 3 on Thursday 24 September. The day offers an inspiring and engaging program designed for Year 4 to 10 students, Teachers and Education Leaders. For further information on this WA event, visit It Takes a Spark! STEM Conference

Skills Strategies International Annual Conference 2026

The Skills Strategies International Conference will be held on Friday 5 June at the Perth Exhibition and Convention Centre. This year’s theme, AI in Industry: What Teachers Need to Know will explore the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence across education sectors and industry.

AngliSchools has been invited to contribute to a panel session, where we will outline our progressive, system-wide approach to Generative AI and how we are supporting schools to respond strategically to this innovative landscape. This event offers a valuable professional learning opportunity for Heads of VET and Careers, as well as educators interested in strengthening their understanding of AI and its impact on future pathways.

Human Resources Update

As part of our 2026 priorities, we continue to expand our employee benefits program through new and enhanced partnerships, providing staff with access to a growing range of corporate discounts.

We have heard your feedback regarding Fitness Passport and Bupa discounts and want to assure you that these are actively being pursued. Further updates on these and additional partnerships will be shared in due course.

Latest Staff Benefits:

Receive up to 8% off health insurance through our corporate discount, plus free access to digital health and wellbeing programs, including the Mindset Health app for chronic conditions.

How to Access:

As an AngliSchools employee, you can now enjoy an ongoing 8% corporate discount on your Bupa health insurance by referencing corporate code 2144704.

Bupa is also currently running the following promotional offers:

  • 6 weeks free when you join using the promo code 6WEEKSCORP
  • From 1 June until the end of June, they will be offering 8 weeks free using the promo code 8WEEKSCORP

Additional benefits available include:

  • 100% of appointment fees covered on up to 6 Online Doctor Appointments, connecting eligible Bupa members with doctors through Blua, Bupa’s digital health platform.

How to Access:

Please contact [email protected] for more information.

As an AngliSchools employee, you can access a great range of benefits when joining HCF hospital and extras cover.

How to Access:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0414 559 734

Book a virtual consultation to see how your current cover compares to HCF’s corporate plan and to learn more about our joining bonus offer.

Dates: Wednesday 20 May – Thursday 28 May 2026

Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm AEST

How: MS Teams or Phone, scan the QR code to book

Benefits Available to Staff:

Available to all staff working in education, many AngliSchools employees are already registered. For a small annual fee of $5, members receive discounts across travel, shopping, groceries, and fashion.

Find out more: Blue Light Card | First Responder & Essential Worker Discounts

Free flu vaccines are available to everyone in WA aged 2 and over from 1 May to 30 June 2026.

Find out more: www.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Influenza-immunisation-program/Free-influenza-vaccine-program-May-and-June-2026

For more information on any of the above benefits, please contact the HR team at [email protected]

Mr Kiel Anthony

Director of Human Resources

Risk and Compliance Update

Promoting Wellness in Schools 

We have developed a suite of publications and promotional materials to support schools in promoting workplace wellness. These resources provide practical information and guidance across key areas of wellbeing, including: 

  • Sleep and dietary health 
  • Social connections 
  • Mental and physical health 
  • Hydration 

Schools can use these materials in a variety of ways to promote wellness, such as sharing resources in staff newsletters, displaying posters in staff areas, incorporating topics into meetings or professional learning sessions, and encouraging wellbeing-focused discussions and activities. 

You are encouraged to use these resources to support a culture of wellbeing and enhance the overall health of your school community. 

If you would like to access these resources, please reach out to your schools Business Manager. 

Pocket Forest Project Takes Root

At Georgiana Molloy Anglican School, a small patch of land is being transformed into something with big potential.

The School’s Pocket Forest project is now taking shape, with the Year 6 Green Team recently completing one of the first important steps: preparing the compost that will help nourish the site. The hands-on process has given students a practical understanding of soil health, sustainability and the important role organic matter plays in supporting plant growth.

The Pocket Forest initiative is designed to create a dense, biodiverse mini-forest within a small space. Using a planting method that encourages rapid growth and strong root systems, the site will feature a variety of native species planted closely together to replicate the layers and diversity of a natural ecosystem.

Once established, the forest will require minimal maintenance while providing long-term environmental benefits, including improved soil quality, increased biodiversity and a natural habitat for local wildlife.

Head of Primary, Mrs Kath Campbell, and Murdoch University Ecologist, Dr Grey Coupland, recently visited the site to view its progress and learn more about the next stages of the project. During the visit, Dr Coupland spoke about the importance of initiatives such as the Pocket Forest in strengthening the School’s broader commitment to sustainability and environmental education.

With planting scheduled for Term 3, students are continuing to build momentum through ongoing preparation work. Just as importantly, the project is helping students see sustainability as something practical and achievable, not just a concept discussed in the classroom.

Through the Pocket Forest, students are contributing directly to a living environmental project within their own School community. As the forest grows, so too will their understanding of stewardship, biodiversity and the role each person can play in caring for the natural world.

All Saints Unveils New Facilities

All Saints Anglican School recently celebrated an important milestone with the official opening of its Stage 2A development, marking the completion of new Middle School and Junior School buildings.

The occasion brought together students, staff, families, school leaders and community representatives to celebrate the continued growth of the School and the opportunities these new facilities will provide for current and future students.

The School was honoured to welcome The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM, CEO of AngliSchools, who delivered an inspiring address reflecting on the growth and vision of All Saints. Mrs Lynne Thomson, Chair of the AngliSchools Board, also offered words of encouragement, acknowledging the importance of contemporary learning spaces in supporting student learning, wellbeing and connection.

Together with All Saints School Council Chair, Mr John Gilson, Mrs Thomson unveiled the official plaque to mark the opening of the new buildings.

The Right Reverend Clarence E. Bester offered a blessing over the new facilities, while Uncle Bobby Nichols delivered a Welcome to Country, grounding the celebration in respect for Country, culture and the long history of the land on which the School stands.

Guests included Principals from across AngliSchools, representatives from Keystone Building Group, Ms Kim O’Keeffe MP, Mayor Shane Sali, councillors from the City of Greater Shepparton, members of the School Council, and other invited guests. Their presence added to the significance of the occasion and reflected the strong community support surrounding All Saints.

A particular highlight was the role of student leaders, who helped lead the ceremony with confidence, pride and maturity. The School choir also performed beautifully, presenting songs composed by Mr Fenby and Mr Boyer.

Following the official proceedings, guests gathered for a Turning of the Sod Ceremony to mark the beginning of the School’s next major project: an extension to its STEAM facilities. This next stage of development will further strengthen learning opportunities for students and support the School’s continued growth.

Developments for Meadow Springs Primary Campus

Frederick Irwin Anglican School has continued to invest in the growth and development of its Meadow Springs Primary Campus, with several key infrastructure and educational initiatives introduced this year.

Recent developments include the completion of a new Primary basketball court, providing students with an enhanced space for physical activity and play. With enrolments continuing to increase, planning is also underway for a new playground and additional classroom facilities to support the next stage of the campus’s growth.

The addition of four new sensory spaces and Learning Enrichment classrooms further reflects the School’s commitment to inclusive, differentiated teaching practices.

At the beginning of the year, staff across both Primary campuses participated in professional development focused on explicit teaching. This work explored effective lesson design and questioning for understanding, with an emphasis on maintaining a balanced approach to pedagogy. This work continues to strengthen the School’s integration of explicit instruction and inquiry-based learning across all classrooms. Literacy and Numeracy blocks have been prioritised, while continuing to encourage student agency and foundational skills.

A significant area of growth for the Primary campus is the establishment of a new partnership with Everlasting Health Services, led by local Certified Practising Speech Pathologist, Ms Jayde Watts. Commencing in 2026, all Kindergarten students will receive school-funded communication screenings as part of the School’s early intervention strategy, ensuring each child begins their learning journey with a strong foundation.

Through this partnership, families will benefit from timely access to professional speech pathology services. The screening process provides a comprehensive snapshot of each child’s communication strengths and emerging needs, enabling teachers to tailor classroom support and strengthening collaboration between home and school.

This initiative not only enhances the quality of early learning at Frederick Irwin Anglican School, but also contributes to the broader wellbeing of the community by reducing barriers to essential health services. The program will be delivered at the Meadow Springs Campus during Term 1, and at the Halls Head Campus in Term 2.

A Sea of Yellow for Walk 4 Duchenne

On Thursday, 5 March 2026, a sea of yellow welcomed the Walk 4 Duchenne team to Peter Carnley Anglican Community School, as students and staff gathered in support of a Year 9 student living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

The visit formed part of the Perth leg of Walk 4 Duchenne, a four-day community initiative led by Save Our Sons, together with national partner Chemist Warehouse. The walk raises vital funds and awareness for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a rare and progressive muscle-wasting condition most commonly diagnosed in young boys.

For the Peter Carnley community, the cause was deeply personal.

Year 9 students marked the occasion by wearing yellow accessories and clothing, creating a visible show of unity and support for their classmate. Students then formed a guard of honour to welcome the walkers, their classmate and the support crew as they made their way into the Keith Lindbeck Centre.

Inside the Keith Lindbeck Centre, the School band performed a moving tribute featuring the Save Our Sons theme song by former ambassador Johnny Ruffo. The performance added a particularly emotional note to the visit and helped students connect the day’s message of awareness, advocacy and hope with something very real and personal.

Save Our Sons Founder, Mr Elie Eid, thanked the School community for its warm welcome and generous support. Speaking with students, Mr Eid shared the importance of inclusion and encouraged them to use their voices for causes that matter. His message was clear: even small acts of awareness and support can make a meaningful difference.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy affects approximately one in every 5,000 newborn boys and, while it rarely affects girls, it occurs across all races and cultures. The condition causes progressive muscle weakness and has a significant impact on children, young people and their families.

Through initiatives such as Walk 4 Duchenne, Save Our Sons continues to raise awareness, fund research and support families living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. At Peter Carnley, the visit was also a reminder of the strength found in community, and the importance of showing up for one another with compassion, understanding and hope.

John Septimus Roe Expands Word Origins Program

Following a successful pilot program in 2025, John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School has expanded the Dyslexia-SPELD Foundation’s Word Origins Program across all Year 3 to 6 classes in 2026. The expansion reflects the School’s commitment to evidence-based literacy instruction and supporting student learning growth.

Initially trialled in a Year 3 classroom last year, the program delivered immediate and encouraging results. Students demonstrated stronger vocabulary knowledge, improved spelling, and greater confidence in reading and writing. The success of the pilot has since seen Word Origins become a key component of literacy learning across the middle and upper primary years.

At the heart of the Word Origins approach is explicit teaching of morphemes including prefixes, suffixes and root words, to help students decode and understand unfamiliar vocabulary. Students also explore etymology, examining the origins of words and how their meanings have evolved over time. This structured approach not only strengthens literacy skills but also encourages curiosity and deeper engagement with language.

Research suggests that understanding word structure and origin, supports vocabulary retention and accurate use. Teachers have observed students making stronger connections between words, identifying patterns, and applying their knowledge with increasing confidence in both reading and writing. Spelling improved, but so did comprehension.

Student engagement has been a significant outcome of the program’s expansion. Through discussion, inquiry and discovery, transforming vocabulary learning into an interactive experience. Students take pride in uncovering the ‘story’ behind words, building a strong sense of ownership and motivation.

The success of Word Origins highlights the value of teaching language in a meaningful, structured way. It has strengthened literacy outcomes and encouraged a genuine love of words among students, as well as growing staff enthusiasm as the program expands across the school.

St James’ Interstate Soccer Stars!

During the Term 1 School Holidays, the St James’ Anglican School girls’ and boys’ soccer teams travelled to the Gold Coast to compete in The Southport School Football Tournament.

After weeks of dedicated training outside school hours, both teams arrived ready to test themselves against schools from across Australia and New Zealand.

The girls’ team faced strong competition throughout the tournament. While results did not always go their way, the players showed great determination, resilience and team spirit in every match. They maintained a positive attitude, supported one another and embraced the opportunity to compete at a high level.

The boys’ team enjoyed an outstanding tournament, finishing as runners-up after a series of consistently strong performances. Their teamwork, commitment and skill were evident throughout the competition, earning them well-deserved recognition.

Beyond the results on the field, the tour was a valuable opportunity for students across year groups to connect. Through shared experiences, St James’ students strengthened friendships, formed new bonds and created plenty of lifelong memories.

Global Connections Grow at St Mark’s

St Mark’s Anglican Community School continues to strengthen its international partnerships, welcoming students from Japan as part of its growing immersion program.

Developed in collaboration with AngliSchools International, the program has helped deepen St Mark’s relationship with Salesian International School in Tokyo. The partnership supports Salesian’s delivery of the WACE curriculum in Year 11, while also giving students the opportunity to experience life and learning in a Western Australian school community.

This year, St Mark’s welcomed two long-term immersion students from Salesian International School, who will be part of the community for the full academic year. Through classroom learning, co-curricular involvement and daily school life, they are already making a positive contribution, sharing their culture while gaining first-hand experience of Australian education.

Earlier in the year, the School also hosted two visiting Year 10 students from Salesian International School as they considered joining St Mark’s for Year 11 in 2027. Their visit offered a valuable insight into school life in Australia, with opportunities to meet students, take part in activities and experience the warmth of the St Mark’s community.

In March, four students from Osaka Gakuin University High School also arrived for a short-term immersion visit. During their stay, they joined classes, participated in school routines and shared cultural experiences with St Mark’s students. From sport on the oval to creative classroom projects and academic exchanges, the visiting students brought energy, curiosity and new perspectives to the School.

At the heart of the St Mark’s immersion program is genuine cultural exchange. For St Mark’s students, it is a chance to learn about Japanese language, traditions and daily life through real friendships and shared experiences. For visiting students, it offers an opportunity to experience Australian education, build confidence, form lasting connections and be part of a welcoming Anglican school community.

These experiences continue to nurture respect, understanding and global citizenship, helping students see the world, and their place within it, through a broader lens.

Heartbeat of The Valley: Celebrating with New Artwork

In 2026, Swan Valley Anglican Community School is celebrating a significant milestone: its 20th anniversary. Over two decades, the School has continued to grow as a place of learning, connection and shared purpose, set within the unique landscape of the Swan Valley.

While the School’s history spans 20 years, it stands on land that has been cared for by the Whadjuk Noongar people for tens of thousands of years. Honouring this enduring cultural connection has been a central feature of the School’s anniversary celebrations.

As part of the milestone, the School commissioned a large‑scale artwork by Aboriginal artist Richard Websdale, titled ‘Heartbeat of the Valley’. The artwork reflects the deep cultural significance of the Swan River as a place of life, ceremony, gathering and knowledge‑sharing for Noongar people, symbolising the enduring heartbeat of Country and the role of its first caretakers.

The original artwork is now displayed in the School’s Boardroom, with a print also featured at the entrance to the Collaboration and Creativity Centre, allowing students, staff, families and visitors to engage with the work on a daily basis.

Principal Ms Melissa Powell described the importance of the commission:

‘Heartbeat of the Valley reminds us of our responsibility to honour the story of the land on which the school stands. It connects our 20‑year journey as a school with a much deeper history of care, learning and stewardship.’

To further mark the anniversary, a specially designed 20th anniversary staff polo shirt has been created, incorporating elements of the artwork. Staff will wear the shirt throughout 2026 and beyond as a visible celebration of both the school’s milestone and its ongoing commitment to place, connection and reconciliation.

Staff Spotlight: Miss Giorgia Bakeberg

St George’s Anglican Grammar School is pleased to welcome its new Head of Year 11 and 12, Miss Giorgia Bakeberg, following the promotion of Mr Tim Hayward to Associate Dean of School Operations from the start of the 2026 school year.

Born in Roodepoort, Johannesburg, but raised in Perth, Ms Bakeberg was educated at St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School. Although she initially commenced a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at university, she soon realised her future and passions lay elsewhere. Reflecting on many years spent coaching netball, teaching Pilates and even ‘playing teacher’ as a child, she soon made the switch to a Bachelor of Secondary Education and has never looked back.

Ms Bakeberg taught at Newman College before moving to Canberra to work in boarding. She credits her time as Deputy Head of Boarding with confirming her innate passion and enthusiasm for pastoral care and student wellbeing.

When the opportunity arose to lead the senior years at St George’s, Ms Bakeberg recognised a natural alignment with the School’s Anglican Identity, its close-knit community and its unique location in the heart of the Perth CBD. Returning to Perth also offered the opportunity to reconnect with family while continuing to develop her career in education leadership.

Ms Bakeberg describes her leadership style as being collegial, collaborative, connected and compassionate. She seeks always to make a positive difference to the students in her care and enjoys both the privilege and challenges of working across Years 11 & 12.

‘Today’s senior students are immensely capable and caring young adults,’ she says.

‘They deserve to understand the ‘why’ behind their decision-making strategies and to have a voice in shaping what their final years at school might look like and feel like. This year, I have been blessed by an exceptional Student Leadership Group who are just an absolute delight to work with and support. Getting to know them has indeed been a great honour.’

While recognising the importance of academic achievement, Ms Bakeberg believes the senior years of schooling are equally about personal growth, self-discovery and developing a strong sense of purpose. She hopes students leave school with a clear understanding of their values, strengths and aspirations, equipping them for success beyond the classroom.

Staff Spotlight: Ms Melissa Cuming

For more than 20 years, Ms Melissa Cuming has helped shape the lives of young people through her genuine care and deep commitment to learning. Her work was recently recognised with the CEO Award for Excellence in Teaching & Learning at Anglican Identity Day (WA).

Melissa, who serves as Early Years Coordinator at John Wollaston Anglican Community School, reflected on the experiences, people and moments that have shaped her journey in education, and what continues to inspire her.

What does receiving the CEO Award mean to you at this point in your teaching journey?

Receiving the CEO Award was a proud and deeply affirming moment. After more than 20 years in education, it felt both heartwarming and humbling to have my vision and work recognised, particularly my belief that the pastoral care of students, families, and staff is inextricably linked with building and growing in the teaching and learning space.

This recognition is not mine alone. It reflects the collaboration, dedication, and support of the team I work with at John Wollaston.

How do you continue to grow and stay energised in your role?

Teaching and education are something I’m truly passionate about. I’ve never wanted to do anything else. I feel privileged to play a part in shaping students for their future. Working in a Pre‑Kindy to Year 12 school makes that even more rewarding, especially when I see the growth of students who began their journey with us in the early years and are finishing at the other end, ready to take on life’s next adventure beyond school.

Most of all, the relationships I build with the children and their families energise me. Those connections are incredibly rewarding and remind me every day why this work matters.

What does a ‘good day’ in your classroom look like?

I aim to create a learning environment that feels calm and full of purposeful energy. Students know they can always ask for help. I want them to feel supported in all aspects of their learning: academic, social and emotional.

In the Primary School, we use the motto ‘Be Kind. Work Hard. Have Fun.’, and I think this perfectly captures what I hope each day looks like. It reflects what we want for our students as a school, and it guides how I approach my teaching. Kindness in the way we treat one another, hard work in the effort we bring to learning, and fun in the joy and curiosity that fill the room.

When students are engaged, asking questions, taking risks, and understanding that mistakes are simply part of learning – and when relationships are strong and laughter is shared, that’s when I know it has been a truly good day.

What has challenged you most as a teacher….and what did you learn from it?

One of the most significant challenges in my teaching journey has been navigating situations where educational philosophies or expectations differed from my own. This meant balancing my commitment to a pastoral and evidence‑informed approach with perspectives that placed emphasis elsewhere. This required me to stay grounded in my values while also engaging openly and respectfully with different viewpoints.

What I’ve gained from this experience has been invaluable. It strengthened my ability to communicate with clarity, advocate thoughtfully for what I believe supports students best, and develop the skill of managing up with professionalism and care. Ultimately, it reinforced the importance of remaining student‑centred and ensuring that every decision is guided by what best supports children, families, and staff.

Can you share a moment with a student that reminded you why this work matters?

I had a student I had taught in Year 1 find me on her last day of Year 12 at our school. When I taught her, she was brand new to our school. On her last day, she brought me some flowers and a card and she said, ‘I remember when I started at the school, I was so shy and quiet, but you were always so kind to me. I have always remembered that.’ I think that stayed with me because it showed that the way that we treat and respond to our students can stay with them forever and it doesn’t matter at which point in their schooling journey that we work with them, we can make a difference for them.

What’s one thing you hope your students carry with them long after they leave your classroom?

I hope my students understand that they are genuinely cared for and that they matter. I want them to know that mistakes are a natural and important part of learning, and that when they make mistakes, I still see them with unconditional positive regard. My hope is that they leave my classroom believing in their own worth, feeling safe to take risks, and knowing that growth comes from trying, not from being perfect.

And finally, if you could sum up your approach to teaching in a sentence, what would it be?

My approach to teaching is grounded in kindness, curiosity, and strong, trusting relationships with students, staff, and families, so that meaningful learning can grow, informed decisions can be made, and respectful conversations can occur when challenges arise.

Human Resources Update

This month, I’m pleased to share several updates on how we are enhancing the employee experience across AngliSchools.

Improving the Onboarding Experience

As of 2026, all schools will welcome new staff through ONB21, our new, fully digital onboarding platform. Designed to streamline the entire process, ONB21 allows employees to complete their onboarding quickly and easily from any device, whether phone, tablet, or computer. By moving away from paper-based forms, we’re not only reducing our environmental impact, but also delivering a faster, smoother, and more engaging start for staff.

Expanding Employee Benefits

As part of our 2026 priorities, we are continuing to expand our employee benefits program through new and enhanced partnerships. This includes a growing range of corporate discounts available to staff.

More information on additional partnerships will be shared in due course.

Latest Staff Benefits:

HBF

  • 7% corporate discount with HBF
  • Contact 133 423 or email [email protected] and quote reference number 80668 to access this offer.

Specsavers

  • $50 discount on designer glasses at Specsavers
  • Receive $50 off when you spend $249 or more
  • To redeem, register for a voucher via the corporate portal and present it in-store.

Medibank

Flight Centre

Unlock discounts and benefits for your next holiday!
Benefits include $50 travel voucher, discounted travel insurance and access to member-only travel deals.

Contact:  [email protected] or 1300 117 501

Travel Program

The AngliSchools Travel Program delivers fantastic savings on airline lounge access for school staff.

Enjoy discounted membership rates with both Virgin Australia and Qantas to relax before your flight.

  • Virgin Lounge – 1‑year membership for $359 (save $190). Click here for more information
  • Qantas Club & Regional Lounge Access – First-year membership for $519. Click here for more information.

Enterprise Bargaining Update

The WA Support Staff Enterprise Bargaining Agreement has been successfully voted through and is currently with the Fair Work Commission for assessment.

The WA Teacher Enterprise Bargaining Agreement is currently in the bargaining phase, with further updates to be provided as discussions progress.

Best wishes for the remainder of Term 1.

Kiel Anthony
Director of Human Resources

Bishop of Bunbury Easter Message 2026

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

These two phrases are the call to worship and the response in the Eastertide church services. They spell out the reason why Easter is so important for Christians. Not only is it astonishing that anyone should come back from the dead but in doing so Jesus Christ confirmed as true all that he had said about being the Son of God, about God’s love for humankind, and about eternal life.

It is a cause for huge rejoicing and celebration. A God who cares about each one of us. A God willing to come and live among us and share all the experiences we have, from being a baby to adulthood. A God willing to die for us, and a God vindicated by coming back to life on the first Easter day. Even sceptical lawyers who have examined the evidence for the Resurrection have ended up becoming Christians – people who believe in Jesus Christ, with life-changing consequences.

The Right Reverend Dr Ian Coutts

Bishop of Bunbury

Cobram Head of Sport Marks 20 Years

Mr Jon O’Dwyer has reached a milestone at Cobram Anglican Grammar School, marking 20 years in his role contributing to the school’s sporting programs and broader community. His two decades of service represent a substantial part of the School’s history and growth over its 25 years.

Mr O’Dwyer joined the school in 2006 and has held several leadership positions, including Head of Junior School, before becoming Head of Sport 13 years ago. Mr O’Dwyer’s loyalty, longevity and unwavering passion for supporting both his students and colleagues have made him a cornerstone of the School community. During his tenure, the school’s sporting facilities have expanded from modest beginnings, including a single basketball court with minimal equipment storage, to include a fully equipped gymnasium. A new sports oval, comparable in size to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, is scheduled for completion within the next 12 months.

Before entering teaching, Mr O’Dwyer planned a career in sports administration and worked at the Barooga Sporties Club. His experience with young people inspired him to pursue teaching, leading him to return to university as a mature-age student in Sydney.

In his current role, Mr O’Dwyer has overseen the development of the school’s Sports Academy program for students in Years 7 to 10, which supports aspiring athletes while promoting participation and achievement across a range of sports.

‘When we go to interschool competitions and I watch our teams and individuals perform well, it gives me a lot of pride and satisfaction,’ he said. Students have recently achieved success at state level in sports including kayaking, gymnastics, athletics, and dance.

Reflecting on his career, Mr O’Dwyer encouraged aspiring teachers to focus on building strong relationships with students and to value the teaching journey.