I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. The weather is wonderful, although a bit windy, and we are moving into what in my opinion, is the best time of the year, Autumn.
It has been another busy and rewarding week at Como Secondary College, so busy in fact, that I didn’t get a chance to send this out on Friday. 😛
The week began with our Swimming Carnival, which provided a positive opportunity for students to demonstrate participation, house spirit and sportsmanship. Whether competing in the pool or supporting peers from the sidelines, students engaged enthusiastically throughout the day. I thank staff for their organisation and supervision, and students for the respectful and inclusive way they represented their houses.
We were also proud to celebrate an outstanding academic achievement, with Year 12 student Andre K, being awarded the Interstate Senior Division Winner title in the 2026 F1 in Schools STEM Challenge for his outstanding video entry, Kwanium. This recognition continues Andre’s strong history of success in high‑level STEM competitions, including 1st Place in the 2025 Fuelling the Future Challenge and 1st Place in the 2023 Nuclear Submarine Propulsion Competition for STEM Hub. Andre’s consistent ability to innovate, solve complex problems and communicate sophisticated ideas reflects both academic excellence and a forward‑thinking mindset. Families are encouraged to view Andre’s award‑winning video here: https://youtu.be/1Q0kKLu1IXk
In further positive news for the College, Como Secondary College has successfully received a STEM grant, thanks to the great work of Mr Greif. This funding will allow us to purchase new resources to further strengthen our STEM provision. We look forward to students engaging in these hands‑on learning experiences, using practical opportunities to spark curiosity, interest and innovation.
We also congratulate Sumayyah A, who has been successful in gaining a coveted place in the Female Future Leaders Program, selected as one of just 20 students across Western Australia. This is a significant achievement and reflects Sumayyah’s leadership potential and commitment to personal growth.
This week, we also had the pleasure of meeting with the host families of our International Education Centre (IEC) students. It was encouraging to hear how well our international students are settling into life at Como, supported by the care and generosity of their host families. We sincerely thank our host families for the important role they play in helping students feel welcomed, supported and connected to our community.
Clear communication remains vital in supporting student learning and engagement. I remind parents and carers to regularly check Compass, as this is our primary platform for information relating to classes, assessment, excursions and upcoming events.
A reminder that next Friday 6 March, is a pupil‑free day, as staff will be undertaking professional learning to strengthen teaching practice and improve student outcomes. That evening, we look forward to celebrating with our Year 12 students at their School Ball, which will be held with a masquerade theme. This is an important milestone, and I wish our Year 12s a safe and memorable evening.
Attendance is a key priority for us this year, and you will hear me speak about this often. Every day matters. Regular attendance supports learning, builds routine and strengthens students’ connection to school. We must continue to hold high expectations and ensure students attend and engage every day unless they are genuinely unwell.
Enjoy what is left of your long weekend break and I look forward to seeing staff and students on Tuesday.
Alen Kursar
Principal
