All Saints’ News

NEWS

VEVINA IS FAST-TRACKED TO UNIVERSITY

Vevina Yang (Class of 2022) had a momentous start to her year, receiving news that she had been accepted into The University of Western Australia (UWA) to study a Bachelor of Music as an early entrant. Discussing her journey to date, it is clear that Vevina has had a passion for music for most of her life. “I started playing the piano when I was four, and I also play the violin as a second instrument which I started when I was nine. I’ve always had a passion for music ever since I was young. It’s always been in my daily life and it’s what I know,” said Vevina. Joining the College orchestra and ensembles in Year 7, music was a big part of Vevina’s life at All Saints’. These programs allowed Vevina to hone her musical talents. Later, several opportunities presented themselves, including an offer to join the Symphony Orchestra. Discussing the news of the UWA acceptance letter, Vevina mentioned she was surprised, overjoyed and nervous all at once. “My parents were really thrilled! I told my friends about it, and they were pretty shocked, but were very supportive too,” said Vevina. After studying a Bachelor of Music at UWA, Vevina would like to continue her studies to attain her Masters degree and a PhD. Her career aspiration is to become a musician, performer, music teacher or music examiner. “I haven’t really figured it all out yet, but I know with certainty that my future plans will involve music,” said Vevina.

ASC SUMMER BASKETBALL RESULTS

This season was well and truly a ‘slam dunk’ for our Junior Basketball teams. An incredible 17 out of our 36 teams made it through to the Semi-Finals of the Willetton Junior Domestic Basketball Summer 21-22 Season. A further eight teams made it through to the Grand Finals, and five of our teams won their Grand Final!

See below a recap of the Grand Final highlights: • ASC 001 Under 18 – B2 Boys pulled off an amazing win against the top Apollos team. They played a smart game, claiming the 43 – 34 win. • ASC 013 Under 18 – B Girls put up a dominant performance, despite being a player short, showcasing great passing and shooting to win 42 – 20. • ASC 035 Under 18 – C Girls put up a solid score to win comfortably against Bullets 39 – 13. • ASC 011 Under 16 Boys played an outstanding game against a tough opponent and won 27 to 20 against a

Puma team. • ASC 015 Under 14 Boys had a slow start to the game but managed to hang on to win by one point against Apollos. • ASC 022 Under 16 Boys lost by only one point. It was an absolute nail-biter with the game coming down to free throws.

• ASC 032 Under 12 – B1 Boys had a tough game against the top team and were level for the first half. The boys put in a commendable effort all the way until the end, which was fantastic to see, but unfortunately lost to the Roadies. • ASC 030 Under 12 – B3 Girls had a very challenging game against the top team, Roadies. They played with a great deal of spirit and sportsmanship but unfortunately lost their game. We can’t wait to watch our teams in the Winter Season. If you are interested in learning more about the ASC Basketball Program, please contact Sports Administrator, Mr Mike Pinker: mike.pinker@ allsaints.wa.edu.au

JADE DESTREMAU’S HUMANITARIAN MISSION

Jade Destremau (Class of 2021) recently departed from Perth on a 68-day sailing trip to France. Now, Jade and four others have led a private humanitarian trip to the Ukraine-Hungary border to aid Ukrainian refugees in conjunction with the Order of Malta and NonGovernment Organisation One Village Transformed. The humanitarian trip departed from France in a four-car convoy on 31 March 2022 with an aim to bring essential aid materials requested by the war effort to the Hungarian border town of Zàhony. It returned to France with 30 Ukrainian refugees who will stay in French safe houses and organised lodgements. “Because we live so close to the conflict, just a mere 16hour drive away, we felt that we could not stand by and watch our almost-neighbours suffer when we have the opportunity to offer direct and tangible aid,” said Jade. To prepare for the trip, Jade and her father completed a 68-day sailing voyage from Fremantle to France after graduating from All Saints’ last year. Commenting on the trip, Jade said, “It was a very valuable experience as it took me far out of my comfort zone, and I realised quickly that all the privileges of my life in Australia (fresh food, showers, a nice bed, phone service) are not necessary to live. In fact, I was still very happy, even without all those things.” Jade and her father set up a GoFundMe page prior to departing on their trip to help cover expenses, such as food and petrol, and to provide necessities for the refugees on the way back. Any surplus money will be distributed among the families of the Ukrainian refugees. Jade had a goal to raise $12 000, and we are pleased to report that this goal has already been exceeded. Our Old Saints were honoured to support Jade with her journey and donated $5 000 to the cause.

BOARD MEMBER JOY SHEPHERD RECEIVES OAM

Congratulations to Board member, Joy Shepherd, who was recognised in the Australia Day 2022 Honours List for exceptional service in our community. Joy received a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division at a special Investiture Ceremony in April 2022. This year marks the highest ever percentage of women recipients (47 per cent) and 45 per cent are for service to local communities.

NEWS

SWAGGERING BACK FOR SEASON 2!

It was a part in The Sound of Music as an 8-year-old that sparked Year 12 James Bingham’s passion for acting. He enjoyed the experience so much he was inspired to start acting lessons and star in several short films before his agent suggested he audition for a new Apple TV+ show called Swagger, based on the early life experiences of the legendary basketball player, Kevin Durant. James’ initial self-tape audition caught the eye of the show’s producers in a worldwide casting search to find the right fit for the role of Drew Murphy, a character from the well-heeled part of town who is key to bringing the team together in the show. The producers received 5 000 audition tapes, including James’, who was just 14 at the time. “I did some self-tape auditions, then they asked me to send some footage of me playing basketball. So, I did that and then I got home from school one day and my mum told me we were off to LA for a chemistry read! We literally jumped on a plane that night and spent two days in LA so I could audition.”

One of only two international actors in the cast, James had to train hard to play basketball at a high level. “I only played casually before, but I did enjoy the game. I had to train hard before I left for the US and during filming, I trained six to seven times a week. Plus, I had to juggle my school work. I left ASC for one and a half years to film and during that time I studied with SIDE (School of Isolated and Distance Education) so that I could carry on with the Australian curriculum.” Filming the first season was a significant experience for James. “I was only 14 when filming started, so my mum or dad would come with me, and they were incredibly supportive; all my family were. As an international actor, my castmates also made me feel really welcome and helped me with playing an American high schooler; they became like a second family. It was a great experience being on set. We keep in touch now that I’m back in Perth.”

While back in Perth, James returned to ASC and is studying a Certificate IV in Business as well as continuing with his other passion – music. He plays in multiple school bands and likes to record his own original soundtracks. James will be leaving ASC in June to film the second season of Swagger. “Acting is 100% the career I want to pursue. I am so excited to head back to the US and film the second season. Hopefully, I can relocate at some point in the future.” From all at ASC, we wish you the very best for your future acting career, James!

Our Vocal Tutor, Carolyn Wilkinson (née Thomas) and her fiancé, Steve, were married on Saturday, 9 April at Fridays Studio in West Perth, surrounded by friends and family. Junior School teacher, Nadia Howells (née Dalecki), and her fiancé, Gareth, were married on Friday, 4 March 2022 at Matilda Bay in Crawley. Nadia said, “It was the most magical and memorable day of our lives, and we haven’t ever smiled or laughed that much.”

A MOST INFLUENTIAL EDUCATOR

Our very own Esther Hill, Dean of Teaching and Learning and Director of Djoowak: The Beyond Boundaries Institute, has made The Educator’s inaugural list of Most Influential Educators in Australia.

The top 50 education leaders who have had the strongest impact in creating a reformative teaching and learning culture in the last 18 months have been included in a report for publication. A place on the list is a clear affirmation of a candidate’s focused work and dedication to rising above the unique challenges in the education landscape. Esther has continued her leadership as Director of the Beyond Boundaries Institute and its Advisory Group. Bringing together the creative and expert minds of Australia’s foremost educators and thought leaders in the Advisory Group brings value not only to All Saints’ College, but also to the wider education community. Esther has been one of the driving forces in establishing The Studio School (TSS), an Australian first model of personalised studio learning in Fremantle, Western Australia. Focusing on the individual student and personalising pathways, TSS offers an alternative to mainstream schooling structures and systems through a studio model that sees students combining their studies with real-world projects and engagements. Esther has unparalleled vision for what is possible in education. She is truly visionary in her approach and is skilled in inspiring others and sharing that vision. This includes being the West Australian champion for the New Metrics for Success project, spearheaded by the University of Melbourne Assessment Research Centre. Esther is one of the most outstanding educators in Western Australia. Her influence in the sector is significant due to the respect with which she is held by other educators, and also due to her professional generosity; she is always willing to share and help others along the journey. These exceptional attributes are powered by Esther’s unswerving commitment to the next generation. Said Esther, “I am so proud to be part of the inaugural Most Influential Educators list. It is an honour to serve the All Saints’ College community, a community that is committed to innovation in education and to supporting young people to thrive through their education. I am grateful to have the opportunity, supported by Belinda, our Board, our incredible staff and partners both within and outside of education, to be part of a team that continues to innovate and go beyond established boundaries. It has been so rewarding this year to see The Studio School established and see the first cohort of students thrive in this alternative education environment.”

Congratulations to Esther for achieving this outstanding accolade!

In February, Senior School teacher, Adam Goor, and his wife, Jennie, were fortunate enough to welcome Austin into their family. “He has brought so much joy into our world already!” said Adam. Events Manager, Lucy Simson, and her fiancé, Will, welcomed a baby boy to their family in April! Raffy (short for Rafferty) arrived early and caught them slightly unawares, however he is continuing to thrive! Junior School teacher, Iola Knight, was thrilled to welcome a grandson and a granddaughter into the world earlier this year. Her grandson Finnley Peter Marriott was born on 12 February, 2022, and her granddaughter Emilia Jane Knight was born just over two weeks later on 1 March, 2022. Iola said, “I am doubly blessed!”