Sowilo Community High School

Sowilo was established by a group of parents who wanted their teenage children to study in an education system that embodied a holistic approach. Dr Adrienne Huber a psychologist and educator working with Edith Cowan University at the time was one of these concerned parents. Others who shared the educational philosophy joined this group of committe... d parents and under the guidance of Dr Huber began facilitating classes. These initial classes began in term four of the WA school year and were held at the Karrakatta Community Hall with only five students. Six weeks after classes commenced Dr Huber left for Adeliade to take up a university position. While the school operated without registration it was not eligible for any government funding and to keep the school operational the foundering parents financed the school. In keeping with the student centered philosophy of the school, students were asked to name the school and Siobhan Lebel, a keen enthusiast of ancient languages suggested the Nordic word for sun, sowilo could be appropriate. On investigation it was discovered that the word sowilo in the runic alphabet also means illumination, wisdom and knowledge. The students unanimously voted for Sowilo to be the name of their school. By the end of term four 2000, the school had to find new premises and it moved to Wembley in January 2001. Sowilo Community High School began the academic year in term one 2001 with five students, three part time mentors - academic mentors and one youth worker. The school council applied for its certificate of Incorporation and in April 2001 the organisation was incorporated as Sowilo Community Inc. By the end of term one, the student numbers had increased to ten full time students and staff increased to four permanent part time mentors, one administrator, one youth worker and two academic mentors including the coordinator. Throughout term one Sowilo Community High School operated without registration and was still being completely financed by the students parents. In June 2001 Sowilo ...Read More