The year 2025 has started with a wonderful buzz of excitement as we have welcomed back our students at both Calista and Wellard. This is my 9th year as your Principal and it is my joy to share the news of our new Stage 9 building. When our School opened in 2007, there were 128 students and 17 staff on the Wellard Campus. 18 years on and we are flourishing and start this year with 1380 students and 180 staff across two campuses. The Stage 9 building project will accommodate both growth and provide specialised learning spaces for our students.
A complex, multi-storey building project, Stage 9 will transform the way we learn at PCACS. Commencing in mid-2025, this project is due for completion in late 2026 and will feature new classrooms and facilities, specialty classrooms for performing arts, music and drama, art, textiles and food technology. Incorporated into Stage 9 will be quiet areas to study, lockers, a staffroom, offices and new bathrooms. Making the most of the changes in levels, there will be landscaped gardens and terraced seating. It will include a connection with and refurbishment of the Commons building. This is an exciting development in our School, and I thank AngliSchools (formerly the ASC) and EIW Architects for helping us to bring this dream to life.
Welcome to our new students
We have 235 new students joining us this year, with new students across every year group in the School, with the majority joining in Kindergarten and Year 7. Welcome also to some families who are returning to PCACS. We trust everyone will settle in quickly and enjoy all that PCACS has to offer.
Congratulations to our Graduating Class of 2024
Congratulations to our graduating Class of 2024. Anna Sawicki was our highest achieving ATAR student with 96.50 followed closely by Piper Smith 95.05. PCACS achieved 100% WACE Graduation, five students achieved Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards and one Silver Award. 91 Certificates were completed in VET courses, a remarkable achievement. We wish all our past students well as they embark on their post school lives.
Staff News
With the growth of our School, especially in Senior School, together with the offering of specialist programmes and new courses, we add new senior leadership roles and we welcome new staff to our PCACS community. Congratulations to staff who are taking on new promotional roles in 2025.
New Executive Roles
Deputy Principal - Mr Steve Wynhorst
Head of Senior School – Mrs Rachel Shotch
New Senior Management Roles
Deputy Head of Senior School – Mrs Cara Barrett
Deputy Head of Junior School – Ms Jane London
Director of Student Services – Mr Simon Bell
Director of Early Learning – Calista – Miss Lauren Balen
Junior School Staff
EALD Intervention Education Assistant - Miss Brooke Whittleton
Pre Primary - Mrs Tammy Duckworth
Year 3 Teacher - Ms Tynelle Short
Year 3 Teacher - Mrs Nyree Summerfield
Year 5 Teacher - Miss Shantelle Marshall-Swan
Year 5 Teacher - Miss Nicole Cobb
Physical Education Wellard Campus - Miss Phoebe Burke
Learning Engagement Coordinator Year 2 – 6 - Mrs Teresa Aliivaa
Teacher Librarian - Miss Vanessa Bright
Senior School
Head of Learning Engagement - Mrs Melissa Galindo
Head of Mathematics - Mrs Cristi Jonas
Head of Science - Ms Courtney Bryant
Mathematics Teacher - Mr Richard Hepinstall
Mathematics and Science Teacher - Mrs Kirsty Molloy
Science Teacher - Miss Denika Kelsall
Education Assistant - Miss Jessica Meyerhoff
Education Assistant - Mrs Barbara Higgins
Teacher Librarian - Miss Vanessa Bright
Music Tutors
Flute Tutor - Ms Rachel Hicks
Electric Guitar - Mr Tom Purdy
Violin Tutor - Mrs Thea Kotze
Saxophone and Clarinet Tutor - Mr James Sewell
Trombone Tutor - Miss Jade Kingston
Administration
Canteen – Mrs Jess Wilks
Canteen – Ms Lavinia Vaivaka
Canteen Manager (Th/Fr) – Mrs Kim Smith
We welcome back
Mrs Lucy Roberts – Junior School
Mrs Jasmyn Smith – Senior School
People you should know:
Principal, Executive and Senior Management
Principal – Ms Felicity House
Deputy Principal – Mr Steve Wynhorst
Business Manager – Mrs Kumesh Haripersad
Head of Junior School – Ms Kierin Janes
Head of Senior School – Mrs Rachel Shotch
Head of Operations - Mr Adam Halliday
Deputy Head of Senior School – Mrs Cara Barrett
Deputy Head of Junior School – Ms Jane London
ICT Manager – Mr Mike Raymond
Directors:
Director of Early Learning - Calista – Miss Lauren Balen
Director of Pastoral Care – Mrs Rebecca Weddikkara
Director of Student Services – Mr Simon Bell
Year Coordinators for 2025 are:
Year 7 – Mrs Katrina Lawrence
Year 8 – Miss Danielle Jones
Year 9 – Miss Ellyse Jones
Year 10 – Mrs Joanne Rust
Year 11 – Miss Isabella Dudek
Year 12 – Miss Zola Siegel
Advice for the Start of Term
Although we are very excited to have everyone back, the first few weeks of school can be challenging for students and families.
These tips are very useful especially in the first few weeks:
- Prioritise sleep. The School day is demanding and returning to early wake ups can be challenging
- Be organised. Pack School bags and set out uniforms the night before. Check timetables for equipment needed.
- Start with a good breakfast and pack a healthy recess and lunch plus a water bottle.
- Allow plenty of time to arrive at school on time.
- Set up a study space at home with a regular study routine.
- Use the School diary as a tool for organisation and communication.
- Be encouraging and positive.
- Actively listen to the stories of the day, don’t judge or leap-in too quickly, support your child to make good choices.
- If you are worried, contact the School.
I wish everybody all the best for the 2025 School year!
God bless.
Ms Felicity House
PRINCIPAL