As a proud IB World School and first-mover in the University of Melbourne’s New Metrics for Success project, John Wollaston Anglican Community School (JWACS) continues to explore innovative ways to equip students with the knowledge, skills and dispositions they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
A recent Year 1 inquiry offered a compelling example of these principles in action. As part of the PYP unit ‘How We Organise Ourselves’, students investigatedwhat makes a strong and productive community. In reflecting on challenges within their own classroom, they identified noise as a barrier to concentration and proposed a tangible solution: installing internal doors.
‘What impressed us most was the way the children recognised a problem, worked together to find a solution, and then took action to make it happen,’ said Tracey Rogers, Head of Primary. ‘It’s a powerful example of our young learners demonstrating agency in action.’
The Year 1 students wrote persuasive letters to school leadership, met with staff to share their ideas, and presented their proposal to the School P&F, who generously contributed funding. Keen to contribute further, students initiated and organised two fundraising events: a Lap-a-thon and a Pyjama Day, bringing together the wider school community in support of their initiative.
Their efforts paid off: the new doors were installed to great excitement, marking a tangible outcome of student-led initiative!
This term, John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School (JSRACS) welcomed The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM, Chief Executive Officer, for a special presentation of the AngliSchools Service Awards. The event celebrated a significant number of long-serving staff whose commitment continues to strengthen the AngliSchools system.
JSRACS recognised an impressive cohort of award recipients, many of whom have reached major career milestones. While numerous staff were acknowledged for 20 and 25 years of service, the occasion was marked in particular by the presentation of a 30-year Service Award; this is an exceptional achievement that reflects decades of dedication to students, families and the life of the school.
AngliSchools congratulates all honourees and extends sincere appreciation for their outstanding service and long-standing contribution to their school community.
Image, from left to right:
Mrs Milijana Korac – 20 Years Mrs Tracy Carr – 25 Years Mr Craig Pillion – 25 Year Mr Simon Wicks – 20 Years Centre – Mrs Diane Vettler – 30 Years Mr Justin Leverton – 20 Years Mrs Caitlin Mills – 25 Years Mr Matthew Dobson – 20 Years Mrs Diana Champion – 25 Years Mrs Bea Hawkins – 25 Years
At All Saints Anglican School, one of the most exciting milestones this term has been the completion of 12 brand-new classrooms. With enrolment numbers continuing to grow for 2026, these new learning spaces are a welcome and much-needed addition to the campus.
Another highlight was the School’s first-ever school production, ‘Dare to Dream Junior’. The performance was a resounding success and marked a significant milestone for their school community.
In September, AngliSchools International (ASI) commenced a multi-stage, long-term engagement program to connect with potential partners in Indonesia. The focus of the program is to build relationships with schools and school leaders from our near-neighbour by facilitating study pathways for students, cultural immersion, and professional collaboration.
Fifty students from EDU Global School (EGS), a leading Indonesian K–12 network with campuses in Bandung, Cirebon, and Medan, were hosted by AngliSchools International for a two-week immersion. The students undertook workshops in academic English, business innovation, leadership, STEM and the Australian Curriculum. A fully immersive one-week placement for 18 students into Year 11 ATAR classes at Peter Moyes Anglican Community School was also included as part of the engagement with EGS. The Indonesian students were matched with local students that share similar interests and aspirations, and participated in a full range of school-based programs. Visits to TAFEs, universities and pathway providers ran alongside the program, building a deeper understanding of the education offerings in Western Australia.
ASI has also strategically engaged with the Association of National and Private Schools (ANPS), Indonesia’s largest association of over 400 national and private schools, which focuses on enhancing teaching, leadership, and governance. ASI was a driving force behind ANPS choosing Perth as the location for its 2025 Annual Leadership Conference. Western Australian education institutions were able to connect directly with 70 Indonesian school leaders and decision-makers, promoting pathways into Western Australia.
Peter Moyes Anglican Community School and St Mark’s Anglican Community School hosted on-campus leadership workshops for the delegates, sharing best-practice models of teaching and learning, student welfare, inclusion, and sustainability. The visits to our schools facilitated intercultural professional networking that laid the foundation for long-term collaboration, student exchanges, and shared initiatives.
By Ms Kathryn Paul, Director of Teaching and Learning
Towards 2030 Vision for Learning School Implementation Tool
Launched at the start of Term 3, the Towards 2030 Vision for Learning School Implementation Tool has been designed to provide a practical guide to support schools in implementing the Vision for Learning. Key phases and focus areas have been outlined to help school leaders reflect on their progress and plan future actions for implementing the Vision for Learning Towards 2030.
The Vision for Learning School Implementation Tool has been sent to schools via Principals and Executive Leadership teams with workshops held at our recent Senior Staff meetings.
Whilst the framework and structure offers a suggested pathway, implementation will vary based on each school’s unique priorities and context, and schools are encouraged to adapt the guide to suit their community’s needs and aspirations. The Vision for Learning School Implementation Tool is informed by The School Improvement Tool – ACER to support School Improvement Plans.
AngliSchools Careers Readiness Resources
To assist our schools in implementing AngliSchools Vision for Learning, tailored Careers resources have been developed for teaching and learning. These resources are aligned with students’ pathway choices and support career readiness.
The Exploring Your Future careers resource has been designed for Year 9 students who are engaged in career taster programs and are in the process of selecting electives for Year 10. This Guide to Senior Secondary Pathways enables students to explore their interests, identify, grow and evaluate learning, career pathways and the networks available to them. Copies have been sent to schools via Principals and Heads of Teaching and Learning during Term 3.
Making Your Impact with Data: AngliSchools Professional Learning Webinars
Dr Selena Fisk has presented a series of professional learning webinars for AngliSchools this year on Making Your Impact with Data.
Save the date for our final Data webinar in this series on Monday, 10 November from 9:00am – 10:00am (AWST) / 12:00pm – 1:00pm (AEDT). This AngliSchools webinar series is open to school leaders and teachers including Senior Staff, Heads of Learning Areas and interested teachers. Please note that there is no registration fee for AngliSchools staff to attend this webinar. Registration to attend this final Data webinar will be sent shortly to schools.
Revised Western Australian Curriculum – Familiarisation
The School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority) is providing professional learning workshops to support schools with familiarisation of the mandated curriculum in Humanities and Social Sciences, Mathematics, Science and Technologies (Pre-Primary to Year 10) to be implemented in Western Australia in 2026. Registrations are open to attend the Authority’s Familiarisation workshops k10outline – Revised Western Australian Curriculum Familiarisation
WA Melbourne Assessment Network Meeting – Term 4, 2025
Our next WA Melbourne Assessment Network meeting will be held on Monday 27 October from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. This cross-sectoral Network creates the opportunity for school leaders and teachers involved in either a New Metrics partnership or the Melbourne Assessment Community (MAC) to connect, share and grow the valid assessment and recognition of complex competencies in their school communities.
This session is open to all schools currently in the WA Network and also those interested in partnering or learning more about Melbourne Metrics, and the assessment of complex competencies.
The Network meets once a term and the focus of our New Metrics meeting for Term 4 is on ‘Looking Back, Looking Forward’. Invitations have been sent to the Principals and Project Leads in each Network school. The Term 4 meeting will be hosted by Rossmoyne Senior High School. Registrations close on Monday, 20 October: Register here
We look forward to seeing you at this event.
WA Education Summit 2025: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Education
The Annual WA Education Summit by Solutions IT was held recently at Optus Stadium in Perth. The theme for this year’s Education Summit was AI and Education: Embracing a Human Centred Future and it was wonderful to have AngliSchools prominently featured during the morning Panel Discussion on Creativity vs Security.
Both Shane Parnell, Deputy Principal at Frederick Irwin Anglican School and Michael Raymond, ICT Manager at Peter Carnley Anglican Community School engaged in a dynamic panel discussion which focused on bridging classroom innovation and IT protection in the age of AI.
Risk and Compliance Update By Ms Karen Potts, Director of Risk and Compliance.
Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) is one of the most significant developments in education today and is reshaping how we learn, how we teach, and how we work. At AngliSchools, we are choosing to embrace this change in ways that align with our Anglican Identity, values and Vision for Learning.
Gen AI has clear benefits for both teaching and non-teaching areas. In classrooms, it can support learning, encourage creativity, and strengthen essential skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. In school operations, it can improve efficiency and open-up new ways of working. At the same time, we remain mindful that some Gen AI content may not align wholly or in part with AngliSchools values. In those cases, we will apply reason and careful judgement.
To guide this work, we have put in place a policy framework which supports staff and students to use Gen AI confidently and safely. The framework is designed to balance opportunities with safeguards, with practical measures across training, policy, technology, and content standards. It is also aligns with the Australian Framework for Generative AI in our schools and will shape both our immediate actions and future planning.
Our approach is guided by four key principles:
Human Control and Professional Responsibility (Teaching and Learning)
Fairness and Non-Discrimination
Promotion of Human Values, Accountability, Transparency and Explainability
Privacy, and Safety and Security.
These principles align with and draw from the Australian Framework for Generative AI in Schools.
New resources are now available:
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Schools Policy
Teacher Quick Guide: Using Generative AI (Practices and Safety Actions)
Student Quick Guide: Generative AI for Learning
These resources are available in the Policy Portal under the category Curriculum. They are intended to give staff and students practical support in making use of Gen AI in ways that are safe, responsible, and aligned with who we are as AngliSchools.
John Wollaston Anglican Community School has welcomed The Reverend Ruth Chapman, affectionately known to students as ‘Rev Ruth’, as its new School Chaplain. With a background in parish ministry and school chaplaincy, and a passion for working with young people, she brings energy, humour, and inspiring faith to the JWACS community.
Finding Her Calling Ruth grew up immersed in church life; her mother was one of the first women ordained in the UK in 1994. ‘In my early twenties, I ran far from ministry. I didn’t want to do ‘Mum’s job’!’ she laughs. ‘But it became clear this was where God was leading me. I applied for training at age 26 and, in 2013, I was ordained.’
From the UK to Perth Ruth’s ministry journey has taken her from parish work to leading under-40s ministry in a large UK church, building relationships with local schools, and heading co-curricular activities at a boys’ boarding school. In 2023, she moved to Australia, joining St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School in Perth before arriving at JWACS this term.
First Impressions of JWACS ‘It’s early days,’ Ruth smiles, ‘but I’ve met really lovely, polite, and kind students. I’d love to see more energy and participation in Chapel, and that will come with time and trust.’
Life Down Under Perth life has brought plenty of sunshine, literally. ‘The weather is much better than England!’ Ruth laughs. She enjoys Australia’s relaxed culture, quirky slang (‘servos’ and ‘arvo’ are favourites), and, as a coeliac, has been impressed by the quality of gluten-free bakeries.
Faith and Vision For Ruth, chaplaincy is about making faith real and relatable. ‘I want Chapel to be fun, engaging, and a place where students feel they belong.’ She is eager to hear from students about what they want Chapel to be.
Beyond the Chapel Outside school, Ruth enjoys rowing with Westies Rowing Club, cycling, swimming, and watching cricket. She has even competed in a few triathlons, before her knees decided running was overrated.
Peter Carnley Anglican Community School recently came together to celebrate Founders’ Day, a cherished tradition that honours the School’s history and values. The day was filled with joy, reflection, and a strong sense of belonging.
The celebrations began with the Founders’ Day Service in the Keith Lindbeck Centre, presided over by The Right Reverend David Bassett. The School was honoured to welcome Patron The Most Reverend Dr Peter Carnley AC, along with Mr Philip Goldsworthy, Chair of School Council, and Mayor Peter Feasey. The service included presentations to the 2026 Scholarship winners and outstanding performances by the Senior Voyager Band, Peter Carnley Children’s Choir, and Senior Choir, showcasing the talent and spirit within the School.
Parents and friends attended the service, reinforcing the strong connections within the broader School community. Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of activities celebrating leadership, collaboration, and community. Senior students partnered with Junior students in traditional buddy activities, fostering support and connection across year levels.
The Junior School concluded the day with a Colour Run, raising over $10,000 for new playground equipment at All Saints School in Samoa, an Anglican school supported by PCACS through service-learning initiatives. Meanwhile, Senior School students competed enthusiastically in Interhouse Activities, following a week-long celebration of House Patrons during Spirit Week.
Founders’ Day 2025 was a memorable occasion that united the entire School community, highlighting the joy of shared traditions, and the strength of community.
For the first time in St George’s Anglican Grammar School’s 10-year history, Food Technology is officially on the menu, thanks to the opening of the school’s brand-new city campus at AngliSchools House.
Equipped with 12 state-of-the-art cooking stations and high-tech learning tools such as overhead projectors and interactive displays, the new Food Technology kitchen classroom is designed for spacious, hands-on learning that combines essential culinary skills with nutritional knowledge.
Since the 441 Murray Street campus opened in July, Year 7 and 8 students have jumped straight into the essentials, from kitchen safety and hygiene to mastering knife skills with precision and care while creating winter-warming meals. And this is just the appetiser. Year 9 Food Technology will launch in 2026, followed by Year 10 in 2027, introducing more advanced recipes, sustainability projects, career pathways, and student-led culinary creations.
Head of Food Tech Ms Olivia Andrew and Food Technician Jo Ramsden also run a popular after-school co-curricular class, Food for Thought, giving students even more opportunities to explore their passion for cooking.
To share what’s cooking, St George’s features a favourite recipe in each newsletter. The latest? Quinoa Tabouleh Chicken Souvlaki. Created as part of a knife skills assessment, students chopped ingredients to a consistent size, mixed fresh salads, chargrilled the meat, and rolled up their Greek-inspired creation. Lunch is served.
Swan Valley Anglican Community School recently celebrated an historic and important milestone by holding its first ever Confirmation Service. School Chaplain Father Toby Sherring prepared one staff member and two students for this significant Christian initiation, an integral part of the School’s Anglican Identity. The Right Reverend Kate Wilmot, Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Perth, led the Eucharist.
During the Sacramental Service, Bishop Kate explained that each of the confirmands was baptised into the Christian faith as infants or small children, and that Confirmation is the moment when they take on the responsibility for their Christian journey themselves.
Bishop Kate added, “Although each one of them will continue to develop and grow as Christian believers, it is like achieving a driver’s licence. Instead of being driven by a parent or guardian, they are now driving their cars themselves.”
Prayers at the Confirmation asked the Holy Spirit to come down upon the three candidates so that the gifts they have already and those they will discover can flow on into the Church and into the community.
Principal Melissa Powell commented, “Confirmation is a sign of belonging to the wider Church. It is a symbol of growing in the Christian faith. It was such a joy to be part of such a significant event, which was shared with family, friends and colleagues. We are very hopeful that from now on, we will be able to hold a School Confirmation Service every year.”
Term 1 at John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School (JSRACS) began with a new initiative: Prayer Spaces for every student from Year 2 through Year 12. Over three weeks, students visited the Chapel to engage with a series of carefully crafted prayer stations designed to invite personal reflection through touch, sight, and sound.
The spaces offered a gentle, inclusive, and age-appropriate environment for students to explore prayer and faith on their own terms. The stations tackled themes such as forgiveness, injustice, thankfulness, identity, and stillness—allowing students to wander, reflect, and listen to their own thoughts and feelings. This journey, described as a ‘mini pilgrimage,’ enabled each student to have a unique encounter—whether finding calm, raising questions, or simply taking time for stillness.
How Prayer Stations Came to Life at JSRACS
The launch of Prayer Spaces was a key project of JSRACS’s newly established Faith Formation team in 2025, bringing together Religious Studies, Service Learning, and Chaplaincy. Building on previous reflective practices—such as Year 8 mindfulness sessions at Wollaston Theological College and Year 12 modules on stillness and silence—the team designed a whole-school experience that combined expertise from curriculum and chaplaincy.
The project required significant planning and resources, from sourcing natural materials like pine cones and river stones to managing the logistics of scheduling hundreds of students through the Chapel without disrupting regular worship. Over three weeks, eight stations were offered to Year 5–12 students, with four activities adapted for Years 2–4.
Student Response and Future Plans
Feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive. A survey of 173 participants showed most found meaningful connection with one or more prayer stations, with the initiative earning a four-star rating overall. Staff noted the value of providing students with intentional spaces for rest and reflection amid a busy school day.
Looking ahead, JSRACS plans to integrate prayer stations into Chapel services, repeat the program for Years 5 and 7 in 2026, and introduce pop-up and outdoor prayer spaces, including themed reflections at Christmas and Easter.
This initiative reflects JSRACS’s commitment to nurturing the spiritual journeys of its students, offering space for individual growth and faith exploration. Prayer Spaces have quickly become a valued and lasting part of school life.
On 16 May, Peter Carnley Anglican Community School welcomed its Patron, The Reverend Dr Peter Carnley, for a day of connection, learning and reflection.
At the Calista Campus, Early Learning students greeted their guest with curious questions and imaginative guesses—ranging from explorer to author—before sketching his portrait in a joyful creative session.
At Wellard Campus, gifted Year 4–5 students explored Learner Strengths in a thought-provoking conversation, while Senior School students later gathered in the Grace Chapel for an engaging forum on leadership, faith, and legacy.
The Reverend Dr Carnley’s wisdom, humour, and humility left a lasting impact on all.
On 21 May, Frederick Irwin Anglican School (FIAS) celebrated the official Commissioning of its new Early Years and Administration Centre at the Halls Head Campus—a key step in the school’s growth.
The facility was officially opened by AngliSchools CEO The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM and blessed by the Bishop of Bunbury, The Right Reverend Ian Coutts. Their presence, along with members of School Council, AngliSchools representatives, and staff, highlighted the strong community and Anglican Identity that shapes FIAS.
Principal, Mrs Tracey Gray, said the centre reflects the passion and commitment of the entire school community. Head of Primary, Mrs Sue Kirke, noted the modern design fosters creativity and high-quality learning.
The event acknowledged the collaborative effort of all involved. As guests toured the new facility, it was clear this space will enrich student learning for years to come.
In 2025, Esperance Anglican Community School (EACS) continues its strong partnership with Big Picture Learning Australia (BPLA), embedding a unique and highly personalised approach to education that empowers students to pursue their passions, develop real-world skills, and prepare meaningfully for the future.
The Big Picture model departs from traditional classroom structures, inviting students to explore learning through internships, industry mentoring, and hands-on projects that align with their individual interests. This learner-centred approach not only encourages independence but also builds confidence and capability in authentic contexts.
Students at EACS also engage in the International Big Picture Learner Credential, co-developed by BPLA and Enterprise Professor Sandra Milligan of Melbourne Metrics. This strengths-based assessment model tracks student growth over time, producing a comprehensive digital transcript and learner profile. These credentials are increasingly recognised by tertiary institutions and employers as evidence of deep, applied learning.
Mr Kallen Williams, Head of Pathways and Big Picture Education at EACS, says the program is preparing students for life beyond school in a way that’s both contemporary and compassionate:
“This modern design allows young people to grow as unique individuals. They discover where their passions lie and build capabilities that will serve them in a dynamic and ever-changing world.”
A standout example from Term 1 is Year 11 student Taylah, whose Big Picture journey is already opening doors. With a keen interest in agronomy and agriculture, Taylah is undertaking a one-day-a-week internship alongside local farmers and professional agronomists. Her work includes soil analysis, monitoring germination rates, and contributing to research to improve crop health and productivity.
“Engaging in this internship has allowed me to gain knowledge in this field through real hands-on experience, rather than just researching online or in a textbook,” Taylah said. “I get to have real-life conversations with professionals and farmers, and a glimpse into what a day in the agriculture industry is really like.”
EACS is proud to walk alongside students like Taylah, who are embracing passion-driven pathways and equipping themselves with the skills, values, and vision to shape their future.
At St James’ School, student leadership is distinguished by a unique and highly regarded tradition: the wearing of the orange blazer. Unlike the rest of the student body, who wear the standard navy-blue uniform, the School Captains are easily recognisable in their striking orange blazers, a privilege that symbolises their role as student leaders and representatives of the School community.
Each year, at the Investiture of Captains ceremony, the outgoing leaders welcome the newly appointed Captains, by presenting them with their orange blazers. This event is a significant moment in the School calendar, reinforcing the importance of leadership and continuity within the School. Principal Adrian Pree highlights the value of this tradition, stating, “When you establish a new School, it’s important to create unique customs that become part of your culture.” The orange blazer tradition has quickly become a proud emblem of St James’ leadership culture.
The bold colour choice is not unintentional; orange is deeply embedded in the School’s brand identity. St James’ students are proudly known as the ‘Orange Army,’ and the Captains’ blazers serve as a vibrant representation of this spirit. They stand out, not just among their peers, but also at off-site events, highlighting the School’s commitment to leadership and community.
For the student leaders themselves, the blazer holds great significance.
“I enjoy wearing the orange blazer, it serves as a great conversation piece.” – Matthew T (2025 School Captain)
“I like them. They help us stand out to other students, and it makes it clear that we’re here to help.” – Mason H (2025 School Captain)
The orange blazer tradition is more than just a uniform difference, it is a symbol of leadership, identity, and the unique culture of St James’ School. It ensures that each year’s Captains are recognised, celebrated, and remembered as they carry forward the legacy of the ‘Orange Army.’
A team of seven talented students from John Wollaston Anglican Community School (JWACS) has achieved outstanding international success, placing in the top five globally for ‘Robot Design’ at the 2025 FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL) World Championships, held in Houston, Texas during the April school holidays.
The FIRST LEGO League is a renowned global STEM competition that challenges students to design, build, and program autonomous robots to complete complex missions, while also developing innovative solutions to real-world problems.
Competing against more than 160 teams from 70 countries, the JWACS team stood out for their ingenuity, teamwork, and technical skill. Their top-five placement in Robot Design reflects not only their impressive engineering capabilities but also their creative problem-solving and collaboration under pressure.
“This result is a testament to the students’ dedication, perseverance, and passion for robotics,” said team coach and Science teacher Chrisna LeVaillant. “Our students have worked incredibly hard, and to be recognised on the world stage is an extraordinary achievement.”
Year 10 student Alexis reflected on the journey: “My interest in robotics was sparked by FLL, and JWACS supported us with the time and resources we needed to grow. Our team became like a mini-family — we bonded so much over the Submerged FLL season. My favourite memory was the day we won our award in Houston. Celebrating together was so much fun!”
Fellow Year 10 teammate Oviya shared a similar sentiment: “Meeting teams from around the world was a highlight. It was inspiring to see so many people with the same passion for robotics. We’re more than just a robotics team — we’ve become close friends through all the highs and lows of the journey. I know these friendships will last for years to come.”
John Wollaston is widely recognised for its strength in Science and STEM education. Principal Tim Russell praised the achievement: “We have a vibrant Science program at JWACS, supported by outstanding teaching staff and a range of curricular and cocurricular opportunities. The whole school community followed the FLL team’s journey with pride. We are beyond proud of these seven remarkable students and their dedicated teachers for representing our school — and Australia — so brilliantly on the world stage.”
