4 September 2025

Message from College Principal

NAIDOC Week 2025

NAIDOC Week is a time when all Australians come together to recognise and celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Here at Western Cape College, and across our communities of Weipa, Napranum, and Mapoon, NAIDOC is part of who we are. It reminds us that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have cared for this land for thousands of years, and that their knowledge, stories, and traditions are a living part of our school and community today.

At WCC, NAIDOC isn’t just one week—it’s part of the fabric of our College. It’s seen in the way we respect our Elders, learn language and culture, share stories, and support each other as one big school community. Celebrating NAIDOC shows that we value where we come from, and we look forward to where we are going—together.

This year’s NAIDOC theme is “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy.”
Those are big words, but let’s think about what they mean:

• Strength means courage and working together, even when things are tough.
• Vision means having a dream for the future and knowing where you want to go.
• Legacy means the things we do today that we pass on to the next generation – to you, our students.

I want to share with you a true story from right here in Mapoon during the Second World War.

Over 80 years ago, during wartime, a Royal Australian Air Force plane called Winnie the Pooh had to make an emergency landing near Mapoon. The plane was very big and very heavy, and it got stuck on the beach. The crew were safe, but without help, the plane would have been lost forever.

That’s when the Mapoon community stepped in. Men, women, and children all worked together. They used horses, ropes, and their own strength to slowly pull the huge plane along the beach for kilometres. It took days of hard work, and even the little kids followed along, helping where they could.

The people of Mapoon showed amazing strength – not just in their muscles, but in their determination to keep going. They showed vision – they could see the importance of helping, not just for themselves but for the whole country during the war. And they created a legacy – their story has been remembered for generations, and today we are telling it again, here at school.

So how does this connect to NAIDOC Week and to you?

Just like the people of Mapoon all those years ago, you are part of the next generation. You have the strength to keep trying even when schoolwork or life feels hard. You have the vision to dream about the kind of future you want for yourself, your family, and your community. And every choice you make adds to your legacy – the story you leave behind for others.

This week, as we celebrate NAIDOC, let’s remember the lessons from both the theme and the Mapoon story:

• Work together.
• Be strong.
• Dream big.
• And create a legacy you can be proud of.

On behalf of Western Cape College, I wish you all a very happy and inspiring NAIDOC Week.

Kind regards
Dan Tonon
College Principal

Message from Associate Principal – Primary

As Term 3 draws to a close, I want to take this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our students and staff, and to share some exciting updates from across our school community.

This term, our students have continued to shine through a range of academic, cultural, and sporting opportunities. A special highlight was Opti-MINDS, where our team proudly received Honours in Cairns for their presentation—a testament to their creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. Our students have also participated in the ICAS assessments, with results expected to arrive in the coming weeks. These assessments provide valuable insight into student progress and allow us to challenge students while continuing to support each child’s learning journey. Beyond the classroom, our Instrumental Music and Sports Excellence Programs have provided rich opportunities for students to extend their talents. We are also proud to offer online STEM courses, giving students further avenues to explore their interests and prepare for the future.

At Western Cape College, our Teaching and Learning Framework underpins everything we do. We use explicit teaching which focuses on clear expectations of the learning required at all levels and make reasonable adjustments to ensure every student can achieve success. This is paired with our trauma-informed non-negotiables, play-based learning approaches, and our commitment to building a positive culture for learning. Together, these elements create a safe, engaging, and supportive environment where students thrive both academically and personally.

Next week, we will be holding our parent-teacher interviews. These are a valuable opportunity for you to understand where your child’s learning is at, to celebrate their progress, and to discuss how you can partner with your child’s teacher to ensure they are reaching their full potential.

Research consistently shows that when parents are actively engaged in their child’s education, student achievement and wellbeing significantly improve. In fact, the Australian Government Department of Education notes that strong parent-school partnerships lead to higher attendance, stronger motivation, and improved learning outcomes. We encourage all families to book a time and engage in this important part of the learning journey—your involvement truly makes a difference.

As we head into the final term of the year, there are some important staffing changes to note:

• 3C – Mrs Roberta McNamee will continue with the class for the remainder of Term 3. From Term 4, she will be farewelled as she moves on from an outstanding eight years of service at WCC. We thank Roberta sincerely for her dedication and contribution to our college community, and we wish her all the very best for the future.
• 4A – Mrs Cate Corbett will be returning in Term 4.
• Year 5 Inclusion – Mrs Kate Van de Heuvel will be returning.
• Relief Teaching Team – Ms Natalia Daley, who will join our pool of local relief teachers across the primary school.

We look forward to the positive impact these staffing movements will have as we continue to build consistency and strength across our teaching teams.

Thank you for your continued support throughout Term 3. It has been a rewarding term full of events that have supported our student’s growth, opportunity, and achievement. I encourage families to take a well-deserved break over the holidays and return refreshed for what promises to be an exciting Term 4.

Kind regards
Amanda Allender
Associate Principal – Primary

College Services Update

Uniform Shop Stock Update

A new stock delivery is expected in early October.

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

• School Polo size 8
• School Polo size 12
• School Polo size 14

We have low stock in these items:

• School Polo size 10
• School Polo size XS
• Shorts size 8

We expect delivery of new stock in October.

Book Pack Orders NOW OPEN! - Years 7 to 12 only

WCC has teamed up again with our trusted supplier Harleys Educational, The Educational Superstore.

Together, WCC and Harleys Educational have ensured we are providing the most cost-effective options for WCC families.

Stationery lists and order forms for Years 7 to 12 are now available on our website.

Primary Stationery Lists

For the 2026 school year, stationery costs will be included in the Student Resource Scheme for Primary students. 

Primary stationery lists are available upon request by emailing admin@westerncapecollege.eq.edu.au.  

2026 WCCCA Bursaries

Time is running out to submit your 2026 WCCCA Bursary Application. With only 5 weeks left until applications close on Friday 10 October, we encourage all eligible families to act now.

Completing your application on time will ensure you are ready for the start of the 2026 school year. Please call into our office for assistance with the process.

Instrumental Music

We’re thrilled to announce that expressions of interest are now open for our 2026 Instrumental Music Program! This is your child’s chance to discover the joy of music while building skills that will last a lifetime.

Through lessons, rehearsals, and performances, students will not only make music but also gain incredible benefits — from improved coordination and time management, to boosted confidence, resilience, and self-discipline.

 If your child is ready to start their musical journey, simply return the EOI form with their top two instrument choices by Friday 12 September.

Not sure which instrument to choose?  No worries — check out our handy Instrument Guide to help make the decision easier!

Secondary Update

Senior Schooling Update

As we approach the end of Term, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank our incredible teachers and staff for their continued hard work and dedication. Your efforts to create a supportive and engaging learning environment for our students, and I am deeply grateful for all that you do each and every day.

This week we proudly celebrated NAIDOC, recognising and honouring the histories, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our celebrations were a wonderful reminder of the richness and strength that First Nations culture brings to our school community, and I would like to thank everyone who contributed to making the events so meaningful for our students.

Looking ahead, next week our Year 12 students studying General subjects will sit their mock external exams. These assessments provide an invaluable opportunity for both students and teachers, offering meaningful feedback to guide final revision and preparation ahead of External Exams, which commence on Monday 27 October.

I also encourage parents and caregivers to reach out if you would like assistance with university applications, scholarship opportunities, or other career and pathway support for your child. Our team is here to help students navigate their next steps with confidence.

As we head into the final stretch of the term, I encourage all students to keep up the momentum and finish strong. Families, thank you for your ongoing support of your child’s education journey—it truly makes a difference. Together, we continue to build a positive and successful environment for all learners.

Kind regards
Siobhan Wilson
Deputy Principal Senior Secondary 

A Big Thank You to Aggreko – An Inspiring Industry Visit

WCC would like to thank you to Aggreko for the incredible opportunity to visit their worksite and witness firsthand the important role they play in supporting major industry operations.

Our recent site visit was made extra special by the chance to catch up with our two Aggreko diesel fitter school-based trainees, Billy and Billy, who are both doing a fantastic job and gaining valuable real-world experience in a dynamic work environment. It was inspiring to see them thriving on site, learning and contributing as part of the Aggreko team.

Aggreko is a global leader in temporary power, energy services, and temperature control solutions, providing essential support to remote and industrial operations. At the Amrun site, Aggreko plays a key role in ensuring reliable power for ongoing work, including supporting the operations of Rio Tinto’s bauxite mine.

We’d like to express our sincere appreciation to Johan de Villiers (Aggreko Regional President), George Whyte (Aggreko Managing Director), Corey, Bryan, and Ryan from the onsite Aggreko team for their warm welcome, and for taking the time to share their expertise and insights with us. A special thank you also goes to Steve Dunstone (Rio Tinto Weipa General Manager), who was our official escort on the day.

It was a wonderful opportunity to understand more about what Aggreko does, and how careers in the energy sector can begin through school-based training pathways like those Billy and Billy are undertaking. We’re proud of their achievements and grateful to Aggreko for their continued support of young people stepping into the workforce.

Once again, thank you to everyone involved in making the visit a success – we look forward to building on this valuable partnership!

Employer Feature – EDC Electrical & Co

At WCC, we are proud to partner with local businesses that are committed to supporting the next generation of tradespeople. One such valued partner is EDC Electrical & Co, a strong supporter of our School-Based Apprenticeship and Work Experience Program.

EDC Electrical & Co has provided ongoing opportunities for our students to gain real-world experience in the electrical industry, helping to bridge the gap between school and skilled employment. We’re especially proud of Josh, who is currently undertaking his school-based electrical apprenticeship with EDC. Josh is thriving in his role, gaining valuable hands-on skills while continuing his studies at WCC.

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to the EDC Electrical & Co team for their continued support of our students and programs. Partnerships like this are vital in helping young people explore career pathways and build the skills they need for a successful future.

We look forward to continuing this positive relationship and celebrating the success of students like Josh as they progress through their apprenticeships.

Volunteering at Weipa Aged Care – Duke of Ed Yr 10, 11 and 12

Over the last two terms, students in Years 10, 11 and 12, completing their Duke of Edinburgh Award, have been volunteering weekly at the Aged Care at Weipa Hospital. Every Monday afternoon they visit the residents in the common area. They have enjoyed playing cards, yarning with the residents and working on some different arts and craft projects. Currently students and residents are working on a banner to hang in the common area, recognising the new connection between WCC and the Aged Care. This volunteering project is both authentic and meaningful, giving students the opportunity to build valuable life skills while fostering genuine connections with the residents.  The students look forward to Monday afternoons and often share their experiences throughout the week. We are excited to see how this new connection between WCC and Aged Care continues to grow.

Duke of Ed Camp

In Week 4, our senior student leaders went to Scherger RAAF Base to complete the Qualifying Adventurous Journey for the Duke of Ed Award. Students oversaw the planning, preparation and execution of this entire trip. This included budgeting and writing a grocery list, planning and packing, organising hikes, cooking meals and facilitating clean up!

These students are among some of the northern most students in the country to complete this qualifying journey, and we are so proud of them!!! What a huge achievement!

Primary Update

Prep-2 Sector Update

It is hard to believe we are already nearing the end of Term 3, with just a few weeks to go. This term has been filled with so many special events that have brought joy and learning to our school.

Event Highlights

Science Week (Week 5)
Science Week was a real highlight for our curious learners. Students loved the lunchtime science clubs, where hands-on activities sparked so much excitement. The rockets on the oval were an absolute hit and had everyone watching in awe! A big thank you to the teachers who organised and led these experiences – your creativity made science come alive.

Book Week (Week 6)
The Book Week parade on Wednesday 20 August, was the most fun for both students and staff. From colourful costumes to favourite book characters, the joy of reading was truly brought to life. Across the week, students participated in a variety of book-related activities, strengthening their love for stories and imagination. Thank you to our organising team for making the week such a memorable one.

Upcoming Events

NAIDOC Week (Week 8)
This week, we look forward to celebrating NAIDOC Week. Students will engage in a range of activities designed to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history, and contributions. A warm thank you goes to our NAIDOC Week organisers, who have prepared such a meaningful program, activities and on country experiences for our students.

Year 1: ‘On Country’ NAIDOC Excursion – Monday 1 September – Kumrumja Park

Prep EcoTours
We are thrilled to head off on our Prep EcoTours again this year! These excursions give our youngest learners the chance to explore the natural world, make real-life science connections, and build their appreciation for the environment.

Prep A:                Monday, 8 September
Prep B & C:         Wednesday, 10 September

Prep Experience Days

It has been wonderful to welcome our 2026 Preppies to school over the last few weeks. They have enjoyed exploring science, celebrating books, and getting active with arts and PE. We look forward to our final Prep Experience Day:

Thursday, 4 September – Motor Skills Matter
(Please note the change of date from Wednesday to Thursday.)

All Prep 2026 students are welcome. If your child does not attend Kindy on this day, parents are encouraged to bring them along from 9:00am – 10:30am to join in the fun and meet future classmates.

Prep 2026 Enrolments Are Open

Children born between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021 are eligible to start Prep in 2026. Please see Kym in the Primary Office for an enrolment pack. This year, enrolment interviews are not a requirement.

As we move into the final weeks of Term 3, our focus will also be on consolidating learning and completing assessments across all year levels. These provide valuable insights into student progress and help us celebrate the growth each child has made this term. We look forward to finishing the term strongly.

Kind regards
Lydia Jamieson
Deputy Principal P-2

2025 AEL Minecraft Build Challenge

Recently our Primary team of Chakri, Jimmy, Will and Joseph competed in the 2025 AEL Minecraft Build Challenge.

For this competition, students worked as a team to bring to life the local Dreaming story of The Crocodile and the Blue-Tongued Lizard using Minecraft Education. Their project combined creativity, cultural respect, teamwork, and strong digital design skills to showcase this traditional story in an engaging and meaningful way.

The judges were full of praise for their work, scoring 34 out 35 points, noting in particular, the accuracy and creativity.

This recognition is a credit to the students’ hard work and dedication. From researching the story and sketching ideas, to designing large-scale builds with bold textures and forms, they demonstrated both technical expertise and cultural respect.

A special thank you goes to Uncle Herbert, who shared this Dreaming story with our students and guided them in understanding its meaning and connection to Country. His storytelling was central to the project, helping students approach the build with respect and authenticity.

Congratulations to our team for this incredible result — a true example of learning, creativity, and cultural storytelling in action.