Newsletters

5 December (Week 8 Term 4)

Important dates:

2025 Term Dates LINK

2026 Term Dates LINK

5 December – Pre-Primary-Year 2 Presentation Assembly

5 December – Year 3 – Year 11 Presentation Assembly

5 December – Final Day of Term 4

12 December – Tranby Childcare Christmas Event

27 January – First Day of Term 1 2026

Important Dates

From the Principal

Mrs Emily Goforth

Celebrating Success and Looking Forward: A Year of Achievement at Tranby College

Reflecting on a Remarkable Year

As we approach the end of another incredible year at Tranby College, we take a moment to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students and community, while looking ahead with excitement to the opportunities that await us.

Shining on the Stage and Beyond

What a year it has been for our performing arts! Our Senior School production of The 39 Steps was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the exceptional talent, creativity, and dedication of our students. From the leads to the backstage crew, every participant contributed to an unforgettable theatrical experience that had audiences on the edge of their seats.

The spotlight also shone brightly on our Junior School Indonesian students, who received the tremendous honour of being invited to perform at the Indonesian Consulate. This recognition of their language skills and cultural understanding is a testament to the quality of our languages program and the commitment of our students to engaging authentically with Indonesian culture.

Our Senior School Art students’ talents shone brilliantly in the end of year exhibitions. These exhibitions showcased an impressive diversity of artistic expression, from stunning paintings and intricate drawings to innovative mixed media pieces and thought-provoking sculptural works. Each piece told a story of creative exploration, technical skill development, and personal artistic vision. Students demonstrated not only mastery of various techniques and mediums but also the courage to experiment, take risks, and express their unique perspectives on the world around them. Making Their Mark in Competition

Our students have proven themselves as thoughtful global citizens, with our debating team reaching the semi-finals of the prestigious United Nations competition. This outstanding achievement demonstrates not only their knowledge of world affairs but their ability to think critically, argue persuasively, and engage meaningfully with complex global issues.

Excellence in Sport

The spirit of Tranby was on full display at our sporting carnivals, with students demonstrating skill, sportsmanship, and House pride in equal measure. Our athletes competed with courage and determination, achieving impressive results while embodying our values of personal excellence and connection. The energy, enthusiasm, and support shown by students, staff, and families made these events truly memorable celebrations of our community spirit.

The Power of Reflection

As end of year reports arrive, we encourage families to take time to reflect thoughtfully on the learning journey captured within these pages. These reports are far more than a snapshot of academic achievement. They represent a year of growth, challenge, perseverance, and discovery. When we sit with our children and genuinely engage with their reports, celebrating strengths and discussing areas for development, we communicate a powerful message: that learning is a journey, not a destination, and that growth happens in all its forms.

A Strategic Plan Built Together

Looking ahead, we’re excited to begin implementing our new Strategic Plan for 2026-2028—a vision built through meaningful consultation with our entire College community. Your voices, ideas, and aspirations have shaped this roadmap, ensuring it reflects the values and priorities that matter most to our families, students, and staff.

This collaborative approach exemplifies what makes Tranby special: we’re not just a school, we’re a community that moves forward together, learning with curiosity, dreaming with courage, and living with purpose.

Strengthening Support for Every Student

As part of our commitment to excellence in both academic and pastoral care, we’re introducing two significant initiatives that will enhance the support available to every Tranby student:

Academic Care Teachers will be introduced across the College, providing dedicated support to help students navigate their learning journey. These experienced educators will work closely with students to develop effective study skills, set achievable goals, and build confidence in their academic abilities. This approach ensures every student has the support they need to reach their full potential.
Deans of Years in the Senior School will further strengthen our pastoral care system, ensuring our older students have consistent, dedicated support throughout their critical senior years. These leaders will know their cohorts deeply, building strong relationships with students and families while co-ordinating care, celebrating successes, and providing guidance through the challenges and opportunities of adolescence.

Together, these initiatives reflect our holistic approach to education, recognising that academic success flourishes when students feel known, supported, and valued.

Wishing all of the Tranby community a very Merry Christmas, and I look forward to seeing you all back ready for an amazing 2026!

Mr Anthony Britza

Celebrating a Year of Learning, Growth and Community

As we conclude another wonderful year at Tranby College, it is a privilege to celebrate the learning and growth that has occurred from Childcare through to Year 12. Our students have lived out our values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Commitment and Collaboration, and embodied our motto, “Uniting in Faith and Service.”

This week, our Kindergarten Graduation was a joyful celebration of our youngest learners, who are well-prepared to begin compulsory schooling in Pre-primary next year. We also acknowledged our Year 6 cohort, marking the end of their Junior School journey. They are ready to embrace the opportunities of Tranby Senior School as they enter Year 7 in 2026.

Across the Senior School, students continued to achieve personal excellence. Many completed VET qualifications through TAFE, while others undertook university-level learning through Curtin University’s Rising Scholar Program—significant accomplishments that reflect dedication and future focus. Our Year 12s finished their schooling with courage and purpose, stepping confidently into apprenticeships, further study and employment.

Service learning remained a defining feature of the Tranby experience. Our Year 10 students supported UnitingWA by preparing Christmas hampers for families in need, demonstrating compassion and our commitment to serving others.

Thank you for your support throughout the year. I wish all students, staff and families a safe, restful and joyful Christmas and relaxing holidays and look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year.

Ms michelle ribeiro

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Mrs Sally Case

A Busy End to the Year in Senior School

As we enter the final weeks of term, the Senior School is alive with energy! Both students and staff are embracing a vibrant calendar of events and significant milestones. Recent days have seen the start of end-of-year celebrations, with friendships strengthened and memories made. Year 10 students enjoyed a picturesque evening cruise along the Swan River, while Year 9 students danced the night away at their annual dinner dance.

Recent Achievements

Congratulations to Jamie McRae, Owen Cook and Lucas Helwig who have all graduated from their Electrotechnology pre apprenticeships with the Kwinana Industries Council. They will now commence their post school apprenticeship training.

This week, a group of Year 10 students successfully completed their Kwinana Industries Council iPROJECTS at Murdoch University. In doing so, they have achieved 55 hours of their endorsed program—a significant milestone in their learning journey. Their efforts were celebrated at the iCONFERENCE, where certificates were presented to the following students.

Believe Chikuza, Pippa Green, Sam Gilbert, Carter O’Donnell, Kayden Cooper and Jayden Cussick.

Behind the scenes, teachers are working diligently to finalise assessments and compile end-of-year reports. This process ensures families receive a comprehensive picture of student progress and achievements throughout the year.

We thank our staff, students, and families for their energy and commitment during this busy period. It’s a time of celebration, reflection, and anticipation as we look forward to a well-deserved break and an exciting year ahead!

Head of Junior School

Mrs Cheryl Taylor

Happy Holidays

As I sit down to write this article, I, like many others, cannot believe we are already at the end of the year! Schools are busy places, and this year has been no exception. Term Four has been a whirlwind of activities—from camps and excursions to a wide range of co-curricular opportunities. There has certainly been no shortage of wonderful experiences for our students, and I am sure they are all now feeling ready for a well-deserved holiday break.

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of attending the Year 6 Farewell to Junior School assembly. Our Year 6 students presented a moving and heartfelt celebration. The “now and then” photo display, their reflections on their time in Junior School, a beautiful song performance, and a special flower acknowledgement to families for their love and support were all very well received—and there were certainly a few happy tears shared. Congratulations to our Year 6s for all they have achieved. Our very best Junior School wishes go with them as they venture into this next exciting phase of their school journey.

As with all school years, we are already busily planning ahead for what 2026 will bring. Next year, we will once again be working on the Junior School Production, and it is with great excitement that I announce that the 2026 production will be Elf The Musical Jr. More information regarding the audition process will be shared early next year. The production will take place in the early part of Term 3, and we look forward to seeing our amazing Year 5 and 6 students showcasing their acting, singing, and dancing talents.

As the 2025 school year draws to a close, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all our wonderful families for your support. For me, this is my final newsletter article as Head of Junior School at Tranby College. It has been a privilege to work with such wonderful students, supportive families, and dedicated staff during my time at Tranby. I am immensely grateful for the opportunities I have had, and Tranby will always hold a special place in my heart.

I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a restful break, and I hope you find time to connect with your loved ones over the holiday season.

Chaplain Steve

My parents grew up in the days of the Great Depression (1929-1939). It was a time of high unemployment, and severe hardship. Many families lived on the edge of poverty. One day when I was a child, I asked my parents how they managed Christmas during those dark and difficult years. They told me that while things were very tough Christmas was always a time when people made a special effort to do something extra. My mother said that they could not afford oranges during the year, but at Christmas there was an orange in their Christmas stocking. Lemonade was another luxury that they did not experience during the year, but at Christmas somehow the budget stretched to a single bottle of lemonade.

The days of the Great Depression are long behind us and while we live in a “cost of living crisis” there is no shortage of fruit and drinks in most of our homes. The practice of giving something extra remains a great Christmas practice. Indeed, the original Christmas story is a story of God’s extra generosity in sending God’s son, Jesus, to the world via the humble couple Mary and Joseph. Jesus taught us to go the “extra mile”, to live generously and contentedly. It’s good to think about how we can be extra kind to family and friends; and extra generous in our giving to charities (like Uniting) who try and enable the hungry and the homeless to have a better Christmas. Sometimes Christmas degenerates into self-indulgence and overindulgence. The ancient story of a baby in a manger and no room in the inn, calls us beyond ourselves to think of others. Jesus did that so perfectly. I hope this Christmas is filled with joy and love, and we all try to value add to those around us. Merry Christmas.

Mrs sam meyerkort

The Junior School has been a hive of activity over the past few weeks, with students taking part in a range of exciting learning experiences and events. Next week promises to be just as eventful, with our Year 5 students heading off to camp at Point Peron, our Kindergarten students participating in their very first Athletics Carnival, our Year 1 students visiting Perth Zoo, and our Year 2 students presenting their class assembly. We extend our sincere thanks to all parents and caregivers for their ongoing support -whether volunteering on excursions, helping with costumes, or attending school events. Your continued support and involvement help to create a vibrant, engaging, and rewarding experience for all our Junior School students.

Early Learning Athletics Carnival

In Week 1, we held our Early Learning Athletics Carnival for students in Pre-primary to Year 2. The afternoon was filled with enthusiasm as students participated in a variety of tabloid events, a 50-metre sprint, and house relays. The highlight of the day was the teacher mascot relay, which brought plenty of laughter and cheering from the crowd. A huge thank you to Mrs Scott for her time, effort, and organisation in making this event such a success.

Pre-primary & Year 1 Swimming Lessons

During Weeks 2 and 3, our Pre-primary and Year 1 students attended daily swimming lessons at State Swim in Secret Harbour. Learning to swim is an essential life skill that supports children’s safety, confidence, and overall well-being. These lessons give every child the opportunity to build crucial water safety knowledge and develop their swimming ability in a safe and supportive environment. Our youngest students have shown wonderful behaviour and resilience throughout the program, managing the busy schedule with great maturity.

Year 2 Excursion – Point Peron

On Tuesday, 21 October, our Year 2 students enjoyed an excursion to Point Peron, where they explored the area’s historic features, including the weapon emplacement, bunker, and communication tower. The group then travelled to the Rockingham foreshore to complete a local history quiz and scavenger hunt. Thank you to our parent helpers for volunteering to help on this engaging and educational day.

Kindergarten 2026 Orientation Day

The following day, Wednesday, 22 October, we hosted our Kindergarten 2026 Orientation Day, welcoming our newest students and families to the College community. This is always an exciting milestone, giving children the chance to meet their teachers and peers, and explore their new classroom and playground. We look forward to officially welcoming our new Kindy students next year!

Year 2 Grandparents Day

On Monday, 27 October, our Year 2 students invited their grandparents into their classrooms to share in traditional games, craft activities, and reading time. This special visit aligned with the Year 2 History unit on toys, technology, and family life in the past, while also celebrating the valued role grandparents play in our Tranby community.

Mrs jessica wall

Constable Care Incursion

Last Wednesday, our Junior School students were treated to a fun, engaging, and highly educational experience thanks to the Constable Care Foundation. Through a series of age-appropriate puppet shows and interactive performances, students from Pre-Primary to Year 6 explored important topics around safety, wellbeing, and making positive choices.

Each year group participated in a tailored session: First Aid Heroes taught our youngest students basic first aid skills in a fun and accessible way, while Fun Scary helped Years 1 and 2 navigate and explore the differences between safe/ unsafe scary feelings. The Frenemies session prompted thoughtful conversations around bullying, communication and empathy with our Year 3 and 4 students. Meanwhile, our senior primary students explored online safety, cyberbullying and respectful relationships in the compelling performance called Trending.

The sessions were not only informative but also highly entertaining, with students fully engaged and responding enthusiastically throughout. It was wonderful to see students learning valuable life skills through storytelling, humour, and interactive theatre.

We extend our thanks to the Constable Care Foundation for delivering such a meaningful incursion, and we look forward to welcoming them back in the future.

Celebrating Excellence at the Year 3–11 Presentation Assembly

Congratulations to all our award recipients who were recognised for their outstanding achievements in academics, leadership, and community contribution. Your hard work and dedication embody the values of Tranby College, and we are proud to celebrate your success!

All award recipients can be seen here.

National Schools Poster Competition 2025 – Division 9-10 Joint Winner

We are delighted to share that a group of our Year 10 students has been announced as the Joint Winner of the Year 9 to 10 Division in the Statistical Society of Australia’s 2025 National Schools Poster Competition.

As part of their Mathematics course, several students entered this national competition, which challenges participants to investigate a real-world question using statistical methods and present their findings in a clear, visually engaging poster format.

Congratulations to Jade Rackstraw, Emily Rackstraw and Madeline Muller on this outstanding achievement. Their hard work, teamwork and analytical thinking have been recognised at a national level, and we are incredibly proud of their success.

Western Australian Model UN Competition

We wish Bevan Hackett and James Palmer all the best as they prepare to represent the College at the Western Australian Model United Nations competition on 15 and 16 December.

Model UN provides students with a unique opportunity to step into the role of global delegates, developing skills in diplomacy, public speaking, research and critical thinking. Participation in this prestigious event reflects both the commitment and capability of our students.

We wish Bevan and James every success as they take on this exciting challenge.

Rolling into Language: Year 9 Cooks Lumpia

This week, our Year 9 Indonesian students stepped out of the classroom and into the kitchen for a hands-on language and cultural experience. As they learned about food and cultural practices in Indonesia, students tried their hand at making lumpia—crispy, savoury spring rolls that are popular across Indonesia and many other parts of Southeast Asia.

Lumpia has a long history in Indonesia, originally influenced by Chinese cuisine but adapted over centuries to suit local tastes, ingredients, and regional traditions. In cities such as Semarang and Jakarta, lumpia has become iconic snacks, often enjoyed during celebrations, festivals, and family gatherings.

During the cooking session, students weren’t just learning to fold pastry, they were also expanding their Indonesian vocabulary. As they prepared the fillings and rolled each lumpia, students practised words related to ingredients such as wortel (carrot), kol (cabbage), garam (salt) and bawang putih (garlic). They also used verbs associated with cooking methods, including memotong (to cut), menggoreng (to fry), and mencampur (to mix). Using these words in a real-world context helped students remember them more effectively and strengthened their ability to use Indonesian in real life situations.

The students worked together enthusiastically, as the delicious aroma of frying lumpia wafted through the air. They commented that learning a language through cooking made the experience more meaningful and enjoyable, leaving them with a greater appreciation for Indonesian culture. Hebat!

Student Highlight - Taylor Wadeson

Taylor Represents WA at National Ice Skating Championships

We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of Year 10 student Taylor Wadeson, who recently competed at the Australian Figure Skating Championships 2025 (AFSC 2025) in Brisbane. Representing the WA Ice Skating Association (WAISA) as part of the Infusion Junior Synchronised Ice Skating Team, Taylor performed on the national stage at the Boondall Olympic Ice Arena, home of this year’s championships.

The week-long event ran from 28 November to 5 December, featuring some of Australia’s best in Singles Skating, Pair Skating, Ice Dance, Solo Ice Dance, and Synchronised Ice Skating. Taylor’s team, Infusion Junior, competed in the Junior Team – Free Skate section on Sunday 30 November, performing alongside 15 other talented skaters from across the state.

Although the team did not secure first place this year, finishing in 5th position, their strong performance placed them among the top junior synchro teams in the country.

Congratulations to Taylor on this outstanding achievement. We look forward to following her continued journey in the world of competitive ice skating.

Year 5 Indonesian Dance Performance Shines at Diplomatic Reception

On Thursday evening, 27 November, our Year 5 students proudly represented Tranby College at the prestigious Indonesian Diplomatic Reception held at the Duxton Hotel. This was the second time our students have been invited by the Consulate-General of the Republic of Indonesia—an honour that reflects both the strength of our Indonesian program and the dedication of our students.

The event, attended by Indonesian and Western Australian government officials as well as members of Perth’s Indonesian community, featured a range of cultural performances, including professional dancers from studios across the city. Yet it was our Tranby students who truly stole the spotlight. Their traditional Indonesian dance from the province of Aceh captured the attention and hearts of everyone in the room, earning the warmest and longest applause of the night.

The audience response was so enthusiastic that our students were invited to perform a second time, delivering two beautifully presented routines that showcased their hard work, skill, and passion.

This year’s reception marked a special milestone: it was the first time in the event’s diplomatic history that a traditional Indonesian dance had been performed by Australian dancers—our very own students from Tranby College. We were also the only school in Western Australia invited to open the ceremony with both the dance and the Acknowledgement of Country in both languages. This is an incredible achievement and a testament to the talent and commitment of our Year 5 cohort.

Mr Irvan Buchari, the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia, expressed his deep appreciation for our students’ efforts. He commended Tranby College for helping strengthen the relationship between Indonesia and Australia through our ongoing dedication to learning the Indonesian language and embracing its rich cultural traditions. He also praised the high standard of our Indonesian program, noting that our students set an inspiring example for others.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful parents and staff who volunteered their time and offered their support before, during, and after the performance. The success of our students on stage reflects the strong and caring community behind them.

Congratulations to our remarkable Year 5 dancers. You have made Tranby College proud, and we look forward to many more opportunities to share and celebrate Indonesian culture within our community

Year 6 Sculptures

This term, Year Six students became sculptors! Inspired by Alberto Giacometti, they twisted wire, scrunched alfoil, wound papier-mâché and dry brushed paint to create amazing figures depicting movement and emotion. There were sticky fingers, tricky tools and plenty of problem solving. With focus and determination, they brought their ideas to life with a gallery of unique sculptures bursting with imagination.

A Message from the Canteen Crew

As another year comes to an end, we would like to say a big THANK YOU to our wonderful students, parents, caregivers & staff for supporting the Canteen. We have enjoyed serving everyone this year!

In 2026 there are adjustments to the school timetable so the following canteen changes will be required.

1^st Break (11.05 – 11.35am) – Break 1- Lunch Orders/Lunch style foods
2^nd Break (1.45-2.15pm) – Break 2- Recess style foods
Quickcliq online ordering cut-off time will be 8am. This will be our preferred method of ordering. Orders can be placed up to 4 weeks in advance.
Ordering direct from the canteen during breakfast service – 8.20am-8.40am only. Please order before the bell.
No late/phone orders accepted.
No orders placed in Junior School lunch boxes. Please order online or at the canteen before 8.40am.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to come and see us or phone us on 9523 3117.

Also, Thursdays and Fridays are our busiest order days and we would like to thank our fantastic parent volunteers Mel Hill, Jo Baxter, Anthony Elbers and Naoko Taylor for giving their time to help us every week.

We always appreciate the extra help and if volunteering for an hour or two is something you would like to do then please pop along to have a chat or give us a call in the New Year.

Once again, thank you to everyone that has visited or bought from the Canteen, we value your support.

Have a relaxing festive break & we look forward to seeing you all in 2026.

Kat, Cath & Kumi

Childcare Centre Enrolments Open 2026

The Tranby College Childcare Centre continues to welcome new families, and we are pleased to share that a small number of places are currently available across select age groups. Families who have been considering joining our community are encouraged to enquire soon, as these places are limited.

Our Centre provides a warm, nurturing and play-rich environment where children learn through curiosity, creativity and connection. With beautifully designed spaces and high-quality educational programs, we support each child’s development from infancy through to early years.

We also remind families that our Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Holiday Program will be available during the upcoming school holidays. This program offers engaging activities, safe supervision and plenty of opportunities for fun and exploration.

For enquiries about available places or to learn more about our Childcare and OSHC offerings, please contact the Centre at childcare@tranby.wa.edu.au. We look forward to supporting your family’s early learning journey.

Host an Indonesian Student

Host an Indonesian Student in April 2026 – Share Culture, Make Connections, and Create Lasting Memories

Tranby College is seeking Expressions of Interest from families who would like to host a visiting Indonesian student for one week in April 2026.

This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to open your home to a student from Indonesia, offering them a genuine experience of Australian family life and culture — while learning about theirs in return.

Hosting an international student is a wonderful way to:

Build meaningful cross-cultural connections
Share everyday Australian experiences and traditions
Help visiting students improve their English and understanding of our way of life
Inspire curiosity, compassion, and global citizenship in your own family

Families who are interested in participating are invited to register their Expression of Interest. Further details, including hosting requirements and program dates, will be shared closer to the visit.

For more information or to express your interest, download the information pack here.

Secondary Assistance Scheme – 2026 Applications

We’re pleased to share that the 2026 Secondary Assistance Scheme application forms have arrived. Families who may be eligible are warmly encouraged to fill out the form here or get in touch if you’d like more information.

Uniting Church Events

Mastermind

Save for School with Saver Plus

Would you like help covering school costs such as uniforms, books, excursions or a laptop? Saver Plus can match every dollar you save—up to $500—to spend on approved education expenses.

You may be eligible if you:

Are 18 years or older
Hold a Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card
Have a child in school (or starting next year) or are studying yourself
Have a regular income (yours or your partner’s)
Can join free online financial education workshops

Free online information sessions are running now so families can learn more and register.

If families would like to check their eligibility and receive a call back, please enquire here Saver Plus financial literacy program (thesmithfamily.com.au), or call 1300 610 355.

2026 Term Dates

Key Dates Update – Now Available
Plan ahead with ease! Our updated Key Dates PDF is now available for families to view. Please take a moment to download the latest version and stay across important College events and milestones.

📅 View the Key Dates PDF here

Expressions of Interest Tranby Basketball Summer Season

🏀 Expressions of Interest – Tranby Basketball Club (Summer 2025/26)

We’re calling for expressions of interest for the upcoming Tranby Basketball Club Summer 2025/26 season!

If your child is keen to play basketball in a fun, inclusive, and team-focused environment, we’d love to hear from you. This is not a registration—just a way to help us plan ahead for team numbers and training needs.

👉 Complete the EOI form here

We look forward to another fantastic season on the court!