23 October 2025

Message from College Principal

I would like to officially welcome Mr Jarrod Prakelt, Associate Principal Secondary, to our College. Mr Prakelt has relocated to Weipa with his family and is already making a positive impact around the College. At the same time, we have welcomed our new Secondary Guidance Officer, Melany Molenaar who is also already heavily embedded into our student cohort providing daily assistance where required.

As a full Executive Leadership Team, we are focused on providing a strong welcome to our 2026 Teacher Cohort who will be travelling to our College in November as part of the Remote Ready Program. This will enable all our new teachers to familiarise themselves with Weipa, our campuses, current staff, our Community and Culture prior to arriving ready for commencement in Term 1, 2026.

At the end of Term 3, a substantial portion of our teaching and support staff undertook valuable Professional Development in:

Berry Street Education Model providing our educators with the understanding of the benefits of trauma-informed teaching on child development and ability to learn. For the first time, our Teacher Aides participated in an Education Support Staff workshop equipping them with practical strategies to develop students’ independent learning skills in a classroom setting; and

Love Bites - various teachers including our PE Teachers and Guidance Officers participated in these respectful relationships programs which will be rolled out as part of our student curriculum in 2026.

One of the focuses for the remainder of the year is to conduct a full review of our Student Code of Conduct including consultation sessions with staff, students, parents and community.  Please ensure you stay up to date with our Facebook page for further information. We value your feedback look forward to everyone engaging in this process.

Kind regards
Dan Tonon
College Principal

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Message from Associate Principal – Secondary

I’m excited to introduce myself as the new Secondary Principal at Western Cape College. My family and I made the move to Weipa over the recent holidays, and we’ve already felt incredibly welcomed by the school and wider community.

It’s a real privilege to be joining WCC, and I’m looking forward to getting to know the students, staff, and families over the coming weeks. Term 4 is always a busy and exciting time, and we have hit the ground running with a range of important events ahead of us – including subject information sessions, SET Planning, academic awards, student celebrations, Formal, and of course, Graduation.

I’m truly grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received and am enthusiastic about being part of such a dynamic and supportive school. I’m looking forward to working alongside you all as we finish the year on a high.

Kind regards
Jarrod Prakelt
Associate Principal – Secondary

Message from Associate Principal – Primary

As we move into the final term of the school year, it’s wonderful to reflect on how much our students have achieved and the exciting work happening across our school community- Term 4 is my favourite part of the year as we get to reflect and celebrate with our students and community on the efforts a growth experienced across the primary sector of WCC.

Reboot Wellbeing Program

This term, three of our classes have been trialling the Reboot program — a neuroscience-based student wellbeing approach that helps students understand and manage their emotions. The response so far has been very positive! Reboot is helping students develop a shared language to express how they’re feeling using the “5 faces” and to find strategies for when they experience “bumps in the road.” Our plan is to expand Reboot across the whole primary school sometime in 2026.

Parent & Community Connections

As many families know, we have found it difficult to form a P&C group for 2025. We’ll continue our efforts to recruit an active P&C next year, but I’m also looking to introduce Class Parent Representatives in 2026. This will be a small consultative group who I can connect with mostly by email or phone to share ideas and gain feedback. There will be very little expectation for face-to-face meetings as I know everyone is busy with family life. More information about how to express interest will come early in the new year.

Reading Success

We’ve seen fantastic growth in reading across the school this year! I want to thank both our teachers and our parents for their commitment to this important area. Our structured PLD (Promoting Literacy Development) program is running in every classroom and making a real difference. Your support at home through regular reading has also played a huge role in this success. Please keep up the great work by encouraging your child to continue reading over the term and into the Christmas break.

Swimming Program

A friendly reminder that our swimming program starts next week. Please make sure you have given permission for your child to participate either through the QParents App or on the paper note sent home and that they bring their swimmers, towel, shirt, and shoes each day during their class’s swimming week. Swimming safety is an important part of our Health and Physical Education curriculum, and being prepared helps students make the most of this opportunity.

Transition Programs

We’re currently finalising our end-of-year transition activities to best prepare all students with their move up into the next grade. These include welcoming our new prep students for 2026, Prep to Year 1 and Year 6 to Year 7 transitions, as well as support for students moving “across the road” to the senior campus. In the coming weeks, we’ll host a parent information session on BYOX and “Moving to the Senior Side of the Road.”

Our annual Transition Afternoon will be held on Wednesday, 26 November. Students will meet their 2026 teachers and spend some time experiencing their new learning environment. Parents will also receive an email that afternoon communicating their child’s teacher for next year.

Thank you to all our families for your ongoing support and involvement throughout the year. It’s been a fantastic 2025, and I’m so proud of what our students and staff have achieved together. I look forward to finishing the year strongly and seeing you all at our celebrations later in the term.

Kind regards
Amanda Allender
Associate Principal – Primary

Message from Head of Campus - Mapoon

Here’s snapshot of what our Mapoon Campus has been up to since the beginning of Term 4!

Kindy

Kindy kids have been practising school routines in preparation for becoming big Prep students next year.  They have also been recognising their name, listening to sounds in words and playing lots of counting games and songs!  We have had some new outdoor equipment arrive and are very excited to investigate!

Brolgas

This year, the Brolga class have been developing their foundational skills across all learning areas, with a strong focus on building their ability to segment and blend sounds to support early reading and writing. In numeracy, students have been strengthening their understanding of number concepts through hands-on activities that build confidence in counting, comparing, and representing numbers in different ways.

Rindis

Rindi have been embracing outdoors before the wet season arrives. Rindi have enjoyed exploring the colours, textures and movement of nature through art and play. Our mat sessions have also shifted outside, where the natural environment has become inspiration, helping students notice patterns, sounds, and shapes around them.

We are lucky to be learning from our community with opportunities to read with our families and friends, cook outdoors with our Elders, and cool down with icy poles after PE under the tree have been a highlight!

Outdoor yarning circles and literacy activities have helped us connect stories and learning to the country, building teamwork, reflection, and curiosity. Nature continues to be one of our best teachers.

Barras

It’s an exciting time in the Barras classroom as our Year 6 students prepare for their upcoming graduation! They’ve been reflecting on their primary school journey and are looking forward to celebrating their achievements. Their transition to high school has also been going smoothly, with students showing great confidence and enthusiasm as they prepare for the next big step. Meanwhile, our Year 5 students have been busy designing their senior shirts, a fun way to mark their upcoming role as leaders in 2026.

Kind regards
Ryan Grayson
Head of Mapoon Campus

College Services Update

Uniform Shop Stock Update

A new stock delivery is expected in late November.

Currently, we are out of stock of the following items:

• School shorts size 8
• School shorts size 10
• School shorts size 14
• School shorts size L

2026 Year 12 Senior Shirt

Do you have a student in Year 11? Have they ordered their Year 12 Senior Shirt? Don’t miss out, order online via Flexischools – www.flexischools.com.au. 

Orders close Friday 31 October.

Year 12 Formal – A Starry Night

The countdown is on for one of the most anticipated events of the school year — the Western Cape College Year 12 Formal! This special evening will be held on Wednesday 19 November at the Albatross Bay Resort, with festivities kicking off at 5:30pm.

The Formal is a milestone celebration — a night where our graduating students can come together to reflect on their journey, celebrate their achievements, and make lasting memories with friends, family, and teachers before stepping into the next exciting chapter of their lives.

Ticket Information
Tickets are now on sale at the main Admin Office.

🎟️ Student ticket: $50.00
🎟️ Guest ticket: $75.00

We can’t wait to see our Year 12 students dressed to impress, ready to celebrate in style!

Book Fair

At our upcoming Book Fair, you’ll find a fantastic selection of books for all ages! Whether you're looking for your next great adventure, a bedtime favourite, or something to spark a young reader's imagination, there’s something for everyone.

Come along and support a love of reading in our community.

Secondary Update

Senior Schooling Update

Term 4 marks the final chapter of our Year 12 students’ schooling journey. Over the coming weeks, students will complete their senior studies and participate in a series of special events celebrating the end of thirteen years of education. To best support our students during this busy and exciting time, we will be operating a little differently.

Students on a Non ATAR Pathway

During Term 4, class attendance will not be required where the subject teacher has confirmed that all assessment and course work for that subject has been completed.  Letters were issued to parents and students earlier this week outlining the process.

Students on an ATAR Pathway or studying a general subject

Students studying one or more General subjects are required to complete an external assessment for each subject. These exams will run from Monday 27 October to Friday 14 November. All external exams will be held at WCC’s PAC Building (upstairs).  For morning (am) sessions, students must be in attendance by 8.45 am.  For afternoon (pm) sessions, students must be in attendance by 11.45 am.  Letters with detailed exam information were issued to students and parents last week.

Key Dates for All Year 12 Students

• Final Exit Processes and Rehearsal for Graduation: Friday 14 November at 1.00pm
• Secondary Swimming Carnival: Monday 17 November
• Secondary End of Year Awards Ceremony: Tuesday 18 November
• Formal: Wednesday 19 November (tickets currently on sale)
• Graduation: Friday 20 November commencing at 9.00 am (further details to follow).

Best wishes to our Year 12 students as they undertake their final exams. Stay focused and give your best effort. Remember, your teachers and our entire school community are here to support you every step of the way.

With the Year 12 Formal and Graduation just around the corner, these special events mark a time of celebration, reflection, and transition. Cherish these moments and the memories you’ve made throughout your time here as you step into the next exciting chapter of your lives.

Year 11 Update

Year 11 students will finish Term 4 schooling on Friday 28 November.  Students studying general subjects will commence Unit 3 learning before the end of this term.  All Year 11 students are expected to attend school until Friday 28 November in accordance with their timetable.

Acknowledgement

Finally, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our dedicated teachers and staff. Their commitment to providing the best possible education for our students does not go unnoticed. With World Teachers’ Day approaching on Friday 31 October, let’s take a moment to celebrate their incredible efforts, professionalism, and care for our young people.

Kind regards
Siobhan Wilson
Deputy Principal Senior Secondary

Pennefather Beach Clean Up

In the first week of Term 4, our Western Cape College Year 10 Conservation and Ecosystems class (Rangers) joined forces with the Napranum Rangers, Tangaroa Blue Foundation, and local volunteers to help clean up Pennefather Beach.

Our students assisted the group for two days which removed over 30 cubic metres of rubbish — an incredible 95,000 individual pieces of debris — helping to protect our coastline, marine life, and local environment. 

Removing rubbish along the coastline plays a vital role in protecting the turtles that come ashore to lay their nests during nesting season. Many nests could be seen along the beach, and the Rangers actively monitor these sites to ensure the safety of both nesting turtles and hatchlings as they make their journey to the ocean.

A big thanks to the Napranum Rangers and Tangaroa Blue Foundation for allowing us this opportunity.

Rio Tinto School Base Trainees Update

A huge congratulations to our incredible Year 12 Rio Tinto and MRAEL School-Based Trainees, who have officially completed all their required training!

We’re thrilled to share that these dedicated students have now been offered 2026 apprenticeships in the very fields they’ve been working towards — turning their hard work and passion into real career opportunities.

This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to their commitment, effort, and the strength of our partnerships with industry leaders like Rio Tinto and MRAEL.

Well done to all involved — your future is bright, and we can’t wait to see where this exciting next step takes you!

Primary Update

Welcome to Term 4!

We’re gearing up for an exciting and busy term ahead! Starting from Week 4, swimming lessons will kick off, leading up to our much-anticipated swimming carnival.

Don’t forget about our TRY for 5! prizes, which will be up for grabs at the end of the term. Make sure you come every day to be in the running for the major prizes!

In Weeks 3 and 6, get ready for our Individual Challenge Weeks as part of TRY for 5! Attend every day during those weeks and you could win a Cowboys training shirt — a prize no fan will want to miss!

I’ll also be out in the community doing home visits on Monday and Wednesday afternoons and attending PCYC. Plus, join me for Breakfast Club on Friday mornings at PCYC — it’s a great way to start the day!

If you need any support or have questions, feel free to reach out to me at 0418 132 618.

Looking forward to seeing you all soon and making Term 4 a fantastic one!

Kind regards
Inyika Nadredre
Primary CEC

Try for 5! Survey

Every parent that completes the survey by 14 November will go in the draw to win a $50 Coles/Woolworths voucher.

Prep-2 Sector Update

It’s been an action-packed start to Term 4 for our Prep to Year 2 students, with so many exciting events and learning opportunities ahead.

Our Prep 2026 Transition mornings are just around the corner, taking place on Friday 7 November, Thursday 13 November, and Wednesday 19 November from 7:45am to 8:15am. We’re looking forward to welcoming our newest little learners as they explore classrooms, meet teachers, and begin their exciting journey into school life. While our future Preppies meet their teacher and class, parents will join information workshops to hear important details about starting school at WCC.

Swimming lessons for Prep to Year 2 will take place in Week 4, with 2C completing their sessions in Week 5. Students will be developing vital water safety and survival skills while building confidence in the pool. Thank you to families for remembering swimmers, towels, and spare clothes each day — it makes such a difference.

We’re also looking forward to our P-3 Fun Day on Thursday 20 November, which will be held at the pool. Students will enjoy a morning filled with fun water activities and rotations.

It’s shaping up to be a busy and joyful term in the Early Years, the perfect way to finish another wonderful year of learning together.

Kind regards
Lydia Jamieson
Deputy Principal P-2