This week marked the end of Term 2 and provided many opportunities for students to learn, grow and serve. A significant moment for our College community was farewelling Dr Darnelle Pretorius, who has faithfully served as our Principal for the past four years. We thank Dr Pretorius for her exemplary leadership, Christ-like service, love and unwavering commitment to our students, staff and families.
Throughout the week, students also participated in a range of learning experiences, including the Year 11 Outdoor Education Overnight Navigation Excursion, Indigenous Leadership Days, the Year 12 ATAR Biology AQWA Excursion, the Swanonline Year 11 Certificate IV Business Studies Day, the Eagles Senior Schoolboys Cup, the ECU UniPrep Schools On Campus Experience, the Curtin University English & Literature Conference, and today’s Year 12 Gratitude Lunch and Senior School House Assembly.
As we begin the school holidays, we wish all of our families a safe and refreshing break. We look forward to welcoming students back for Term 3 on 21 July, following the Student Free Day on Monday 20 July.
Looking ahead, the first week of Term 3 includes:
Last week, our College community began farewelling Dr Darnelle Pretorius and thanking her for four years of faithful, Christ-centred leadership as Principal.
On Monday, 15 June, the Junior School gathered for a warm and heartfelt farewell. Students expressed their appreciation through thoughtful gifts, shared laughter and a beautiful choir performance, celebrating the dedication, passion and care Dr Pretorius has shown throughout her time at the College.
Today, the Senior School honoured Dr Pretorius with a moving tribute, including a poignant video and heartfelt speeches from Head of Senior School Mr Terry Eason and our College Captains. Reflecting on her impact, one of our College Captains shared the words of Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” These words captured the deep gratitude of our students and staff for the encouragement, kindness and genuine care Dr Pretorius has shown to so many.
As Dr Pretorius changes hats within the College community next term, we thank her for the lasting impact she has made on our students, staff and families. We will miss her and pray God’s richest blessings over this next season as He continues to guide her as Executive Principal for the seven SCEA schools.
We welcome Miss Katie Greenhalgh as Acting Principal in Semester 2 at Swan Christian College and pray for God’s blessings and guidance as she steps into this role.
As we come to the end of Term 2, we would like to remind families that students return to school on Tuesday 21 July following the term break.
During the holidays, the College Administration Office will be open Monday to Friday, from 8:30am to 3:30pm.
Please note that Monday 20 July is a Student Free Day, with Term 3 commencing on Tuesday 21 July.
We pray that all our families enjoy a blessed, safe, and restful holiday break. We look forward to welcoming our students back for another exciting term of learning, growth, and community in Term 3.
Join us for a seven-week online marriage course for the Swan Christian College community, in partnership with Nations Church Belmont. Parents, staff and our Swan Christian College community are warmly invited to The Marriage Course.
The Marriage Course (created by Alpha International) is a seven-week online course designed to help married couples build strong foundations, improve communication, and grow closer. Each session gives you dedicated space to invest in your relationship in a relaxed, supportive setting.
The course will run Tuesday evenings from 4 August to 15 September online, 7:00pm-9:00pm, and will be facilitated by experienced and trained couples including senior pastors of Nations Church Belmont, Gareth and Jess Forsdike. The cost is $60 per couple and includes a journal for each participant.
The Marriage Course (Online)
Date: Tuesdays 4 August – 15 September online
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Cost: $60 per couple and price includes a journal for each person
Register here: Marriage Course (please click ‘continue anonymously’ on the pop-up screen)
Journal: Please pick up your journals from College Reception in Term 3.
We warmly invite our alumni from the Class of 1986, 1996, 2006 and 2016 to join us for a special evening reconnecting with old friends and celebrating shared memories at Swan Christian College.
This combined reunion marks the 40, 30, 20 and 10 year milestones for these graduating classes. It will be a relaxed sundowner where alumni can catch up, share stories and reflect on their time at the College.
Whether you are reconnecting with classmates you have not seen for years or continuing friendships that have lasted decades, it promises to be a memorable evening together.
Combined Alumni Reunion Sundowner
Date: Friday 6 November
Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Venue: Maali Room, Swan Christian College
Register here: Combined Alumni Reunion Sundowner
Tickets are $15 for alumni and $10 for one guest per alumni, and include light supper and drinks.
Our Year 6 students have returned from an unforgettable week exploring Sydney and Canberra, filled with learning, adventure and opportunities to grow together. Centred on the camp theme SHINE, inspired by Matthew 5:16, students were encouraged to let their light shine through their words, actions and relationships throughout the week.
The adventure began in Sydney with visits to the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Museum, Taronga Zoo, Circular Quay and the iconic Sydney Opera House. Travelling by ferry across Sydney Harbour and enjoying time together in the city were highlights before the group made their way to Canberra.
In the nation’s capital, students experienced the Australian Institute of Sport, enjoyed a memorable day in the snow, and explored Questacon and Treetops Adventure. They also visited Parliament House while Parliament was in session, where they had the opportunity to meet local Federal Member for Hasluck, Tania Lawrence, and City of Swan Mayor, Tanya Richardson. Other highlights included the Australian War Memorial, a cruise on Lake Burley Griffin, the National Electoral Education Centre and the Royal Australian Mint. Along the way, students also celebrated three birthdays, made lifelong memories and strengthened friendships.
We are grateful for God’s protection throughout the week and thank our staff for their care and leadership. We also thank our families for their prayers, which were answered through safe travel, good health and a truly rewarding camp experience. We trust this special week has left a lasting impact on our students as they continue to SHINE in their faith and daily lives.
On Wednesday, our Year 5 classrooms were transformed into a vibrant Travel Expo as students showcased countries they had been researching throughout the term. Visitors explored colourful displays, learnt interesting facts about destinations from around the world, and enjoyed interactive activities prepared by the students.
The Travel Expo was a wonderful opportunity for our Year 5 students to share their learning, develop their presentation skills, and demonstrate the creativity and effort they had invested in their projects. Thank you to all the families and students who visited and helped make the event such a success.
What does university life really look like? For Year 12 students participating in the Uni Preparation Course, a recent visit to Edith Cowan University’s Joondalup Campus provided the opportunity to find out.
Joining students from nine partner schools across the program, participants spent the day exploring the campus, connecting with new peers, and experiencing university learning firsthand. The opportunity to work alongside students from different schools broadened networks, encouraged collaboration, and helped create a genuine sense of belonging as students consider their last term of high school looking forward to tertiary life.
A campus-wide scavenger hunt kicked off the day, encouraging students to discover key locations, navigate the university environment, and experience the culture and community of ECU. Students then participated in interactive workshops led by ECU academics in Business, Environmental Health, Social Work, Engineering, Law, and Future Health Care Heroes. Through hands-on activities and real-world scenarios, they gained valuable insight into how university study connects to future careers and industry opportunities.
A highlight of the visit was the student panel session who had completed the UniPrep course in recent years and now part way through or finishing their current qualifications. They discussed their experiences and decision making for selecting UniPrep in high school and how it has benefitted them in terms of preparation for university life. Their stories provided authentic perspectives on university life, employability, and opportunities that can emerge through further study.
Students were creating their own ECU student cards, adding to the campus visit. The experience challenged students to think about their future pathways, explore new possibilities, and see themselves as part of a broader community of learners preparing for life beyond school.
As Term 2 came to a close, the Swanonline Year 10 students at gathered for our Careers and Subject Selection Day as they begin planning for Year 11 in 2027.
The day commenced with a mini careers and subject expo, where students had the opportunity to speak with teachers, staff, external providers and pathway representatives about the many options available to them. Students explored ATAR and General pathways, certificate opportunities, endorsed programs, external VET providers, the CHARIS Teaching School, and our own Worklink program.
Many of our staff and teachers were involved throughout the day, sharing their expertise and providing valuable advice on subjects, pathways and future career opportunities.
The event concluded with a presentation on WACE requirements, helping students and families better understand the decisions ahead and the pathways available to support their future goals.
A great day of learning, exploration and informed decision-making as our students prepare for the next stage of their educational journey.
We are thrilled for our Year 10 Students and are cheering them on in this exciting chapter!
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Sign up today to hear about reunions and other events. Please be sure to list your personal email address, rather than a school, work or university address, to ensure you're kept up to date throughout your career.
