Term 3, Week 9, 2026
This Week in Explo
As we approach R U OK? Day on 16 September, we have been encouraging our Years 9 and 10 students to think about something that is important for all of us, regardless of age: What helps us when life gets tough?
The teenage years are filled with opportunities, growth and excitement, but they can also bring challenges. Friendships change, expectations increase, mistakes happen and sometimes things simply do not go to plan. As parents, it can be difficult to watch our children navigate these moments, particularly when we cannot solve every problem for them.
One of the most important messages we are sharing with students is that resilience is not about "toughing it out" or pretending everything is fine. Resilience is about recognising when something feels difficult, drawing on healthy strategies, and knowing when to lean on others for support. It is built through everyday experiences and strengthened through connection.
We have also been discussing the idea that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. In fact, it often takes great courage to speak up when something is bothering us. Young people who know who they can turn to, whether that is a parent, teacher, coach, friend or wellbeing professional, are often better equipped to manage life's inevitable ups and downs.
As R U OK? Day approaches, we encourage families to continue these conversations at home. Sometimes the most meaningful discussions happen in simple moments: during a car ride, while walking the dog or around the dinner table. Asking questions such as "What was the best part of your day?", "What has been challenging lately?" or "Who would you talk to if you needed support?" can open the door to valuable conversations.
At Faith, we want every young person to know that they are seen, valued and supported. Together, as parents, caregivers and educators, we can help our young people develop the confidence to face challenges, the resilience to grow through them, and the understanding that they never have to face them alone.
CIA Awards
Congratulations to Ms Taylah Smith for her patience and support of fellow staff. Not only is she a great team player, but her baked goodies are a treat.
Abbie Bebbington Gough, the College is a better place for your presence. You are appreciated by a multitude of staff, and many students benefit from the example you set. Thank you.
Pulse Awards
Well done to Ms McDonald’s phase coach class who have the highest pulse rate for the week.
Project Spotlight
Sustainable Cooking Project have a renewed focus at the moment, they are making plans to assist a number of other projects with their culinary needs such as treats for Students for Students and cooking for Day for Dolly and other fundraisers. This week they were out and about in Laidley, helping set up for Spring Festival in combination with the Community Crusaders. This is a major event on the Laidley calendar and the contribution by the students is greatly appreciated by the Laidley Uniting Church. They are certainly leading with their hearts and hands.
Curriculum Spotlight - Play Your Part in the Arts
Play Your Part in the Arts (PYPA) is a new cross-curricular course that brings English together with Drama, Media Arts, Music and Visual Arts. Students choose an Arts pathway and use their specialist skills while collaborating to create an original short film.
During Term 3, students have focused on pre-production, including scriptwriting, storyboarding, cinematography, directing and sound design. Students shared some of their highlights and reflected on the skills they have developed so far.
Cienna – Media Arts
“My highlight has been being able to be creative and join in discussions about making our film. I have developed my observation skills, particularly when choosing camera angles. I’ve learnt that, even though we may have different interests, sharing ideas can be very eye-opening. It has shown me what it is like to see the subject from a different point of view.”
Laura – Drama
“I chose Drama because I love acting, performing and telling a story. A highlight of PYPA has been going on a fun and educational journey with my friends, learning and laughing together. I learnt that each Arts pathway is just as important and contributes to the final product. Without Music, we wouldn’t have sound effects, and without a director or cinematographer, we wouldn’t have camera angles or directions for how the scene will play out.”
Tiyarnah – Media Arts
“My highlight of PYPA so far has been getting to collaborate with other people who share the same interests as me in film and the Arts. I’ve also really enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere during our film rehearsals. I have developed camera techniques, learnt how to use Adobe Premiere to edit a film and create montages, and learnt how to create a structured plan for the cinematography and direction of a film.”
In Term 4, students will move into production, putting their plans into action as they film and edit their projects. The course will culminate in a film festival where students’ completed films will be screened for an invited audience.
Date Claimers
| Date | Event |
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Wednesday 16 September
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Faith Festival raising funds for ALWS and the floods in Nepal and RUOK? Day.
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Monday 5 October
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King's Birthday Public Holiday
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Tuesday 6 October
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Student Free Day
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Wednesday 7 October
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Term 4 begins and Formal Assembly
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