As well as our curriculum offerings, our students can take part in many different extra-curricular activites. Different groups aim to develop and nurture the multiple different skills, talents, and interests of all of the students at St Helena’s Catholic Primary School.

Chess Club

St Helena’s Chess Club is a hub of excitement and learning, where students from Years 4 to 6 gather weekly to hone their strategic thinking and improve their chess skills. The students practise various strategies and participate in friendly matches, fostering a sense of camaraderie and competition.

The club’s activities culminate in an eagerly anticipated Chess Championship, where the students showcase their talents and compete for the coveted title of SHCPS Chess Champion. This event not only celebrates their hard work and dedication but also inspires others to take up the game and join the club in the future. Chess Club is run every Friday in the Kooditj room during lunchtime.

Coding Club

Coding Club is a collaborative after school group of students who work together, share ideas, and learn from each other whilst enhancing their understanding of technology. Coding robots, designing circuits and creating games are just some of the innovative tasks our coders get up to as they engage with different technology and problem solve to create solutions to innovative problems.  

Dance and Movement

Dance and Movement classes at Saint Helena’s give students’ opportunities to engage in Liturgical and Creative dances as part of weekly Senior Sport sessions. Students are introduced to music and movement and given several opportunities to perform in front of audiences, particularly at the Performing Arts Festival for Catholic Schools. Dancers participate in follow-along dance sequences that focus on coordination, listening, simple rhythm and patterns.

Creative dances are fun and memorable bonding experiences for Saint Helena’s students where they get to explore elements of time, space, energy and relationships between people. It requires the students to come together to create, develop, rework, rehearse and perform. Dancers work together in unison, dancing with a partner, and teaching dance through demonstration and physical.

The Liturgical dance is a choreographed dance, a non-verbal movement that enables students to be present with God.  It is a very powerful and meaningful experience, both for the dancer and for those watching. Saint Helena’s Liturgical dances are often performed before a Mass or Liturgy as a call to worship or an alternative prayer reflection.

Gardening Club

Garden Club provides students with an opportunity to slow down and connect with nature within their busy school day. Students learn about, and implement sustainable practices such as composting, worm farming, native tree planting, recycling and ways we can reduce our waste.

Students plant and harvest seasonal fruits and vegetables, look for insects, improve soil and maintain our 15 garden beds of vegetables and native plants.

Students are proud to watch the plant life cycle take place in real time and take home their produce to share with their families. In addition, students also have the opportunity to participate in sustainable activities such as making beeswax wraps, recycled cards and craft.

Mindfulness Group

Students are welcome to join the mindfulness group on Fridays during lunchtime in the library. Here, they can colour, read a book, or simply relax and enjoy the calming music. Mindfulness group offers a chance for students to take a break from their busy day, tune into their bodies and minds, and observe their feelings without reacting immediately.

In a world filled with distractions, the ability to focus is more important than ever. Mindfulness practices help children quiet their minds, concentrate on a single task, and improve their attention. This can be particularly beneficial at school, where they are learning and building relationships.

By encouraging a sense of calm, increasing focus, and supporting emotional regulation, mindfulness provides a solid foundation for a balanced and positive life.

Mini Vinnies

The St Helena’s Mini Vinnies team work hard throughout the year raising funds and awareness in the quest to assist those people in the Ellenbrook community who may be less fortunate or struggling at tough times during the year.

We work closely with the St Vincent de Paul Society and the Ellenbrook Parish group to ensure our work is aimed at those in our community as well as the wider community. Students give up their lunchtimes to learn about social justice issues facing people in our community as well as performing service tasks such as knitting and crocheting blankets for the RSPCA or collecting food for the Winter and Christmas appeals.

Our students develop knowledge and their leadership skills which they then share with their peers and other classes.

Practical Applications Group

At St Helena’s we run a program called Practical Applications. This program provides an opportunity for students to participate in small group activities such as cooking, gardening, shopping, and social skills.

This program provides a safe and inclusive environment where students can develop essential life skills and gain independence. By participating in activities like cooking and gardening, students can learn valuable skills such as following instructions, problem-solving and teamwork. In addition, social skills activities can empower our students to build social connections and enhance their communication.

Practical Applications helps students develop a sense of accomplishment and improve their self-esteem, which can lead to better academic outcomes and overall wellbeing.

School Choir

The St Helena’s School Choir consists of students from Years 3 to 6 who rehearse weekly. The choir leads school celebrations such as masses, assemblies and liturgies in song, and attends different events that promote the joy of performing arts such as One Big Voice and Catholic Performing Arts Festival and One Big Voice. The St Helena’s School Choir aims to nurture individuals creative spark, whilst also fostering a sense of community and teamwork, as students work and sing together.