Newsletter Term 3 Week 3 2022
Principals Report
Stress may be good for your wellbeing
As we see rising levels of mental health in our community, we are always looking at ways to address this issue. According to the Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing conducted between June 2013 and June 2014 it was estimated that 14% of young people aged 4-17 years (or 560 000 people) experienced a mental disorder in the 12 months before the survey, more recent evidence suggests that this is now 25% of young people experience mental illness in any given year. The pandemic has worsened these statistics with Headspace reporting that 74% of young people’s mental health had deteriorated since Covid 19. Even without a diagnosis of a mental illness, life events can cause stress and anxiety that can lead to a crisis even for anyone.
In our school plan we have goals for the wellbeing of our students, supporting their emotional needs and fostering resilience. We support our teachers to enable them to respond to students in crisis. One strategy is to increase staff skills in this area, thus at the start of the term all our staff undertook training in accidental counselling that was provided by Lifeline. This 4 hour workshop provided staff with the foundational skills to alert them to the common signs or behaviours that may occur when someone is struggling. Teachers now have the confidence to respond appropriately and to be aware of the professional support that is available for students.
Recent research[1] has found that low to moderate levels of stress can help individuals develop resilience and reduce their risk of developing mental health disorders, like depression and antisocial behaviours. Low to moderate stress can also help individuals to cope with future stressful encounters.
“If you’re in an environment where you have some level of stress, you may develop coping mechanisms that will allow you to become a more efficient and effective worker and organize yourself in a way that will help you perform,” said Assaf Oshri, lead author of the study. The stress that comes from studying for an exam, preparing for a big assessment task or even failing a test can all potentially lead to personal growth.
However, the line between the right amount of stress and too much stress is a thin one, which is why we teach students resilience and mindfulness techniques as part of their wellbeing classes. For older students facing the stresses of senior school we equip students with study and time management strategies to assist them in exams. Through this preparation we have found that fewer students are succumbing to unhealthy levels of stress.
[1] Youth Development Institute at the University of Georgia. Published in Psychiatry Research
Hayley Emmerton
Principal
Dates to Remember
Monday 1 August - Friday 12 August | HSC Trials |
Tuesday 9 August | Year 7 Gala Day |
Monday 15 August | P&C Meeting |
Wednesday 17 August | Year 10 to 11 Subject Interviews |
Thursday 25 August | HSC Showcase |
Wednesday 7 - Friday 9 September | State Athletics Carnival |
Monday 12 - Friday 23 September | Year 11 Assessment Period |
Friday 16 September | Year 7 Vaccinations |
Wednesday 21 September | Year 12 Graduation & Formal |
Friday 23 September | Last Day Term 3 |
Monday 10 October | First Day Term 4 |
Wednesday 12 October - Friday 4 November | HSC Exams |
Monday 19 December | Last Day Term 4 |
Tuesday 20 December | Staff Development Day |
Year 7 News
What’s on for Year 7?
In week 5, Monday the 15th to Tuesday the 16th of August the MyResilience workshop will be running for all year 7 students over two periods. A teenage brain is not naturally resilient. It needs to be trained, guided and helped into becoming more resilient. The workshop aims to advise students in the four key areas of resilience, assisting them in overcoming challenges and obstacles with resilience and flair. Within the two period workshop students will do a strength-finder quiz to figure out who they are and what their core strengths are, to really understand and appreciate the qualities they bring to any situation.
The following week students will be watching a live performance, Sticks and Stones, which addresses bullying, harassment and aggression at school, at home and online. The performers will demonstrate how negative patterns of behaviour can stem from modeling by peers, family, social media, YouTube and video games. The award winning show will delve deeper into issues such as cyber bullying, harassment, image based abuse and coercive control. Furthermore, practical strategies for emotional regulation, assertiveness, conflict resolution, help-seeking and breaking the cycle of violence will be provided.
These are quite heavy but necessary topics that students will look into, and it would be much appreciated if you could have conversations with your child about them over the dinner table. Why do we need to be resilient? What are my key strengths and how does that help me to help others? What should we do to support our peers when we see that bullying is happening?
April Kang
Year 7 Adviser
Year 9 News
KHHS Year 9 cohort was graced with the presence of Holly Young (Lincoln-Smith) (Dual Olympian and Bronze Medallist for Water Polo), she visited Killarney Heights High School on Monday 1st August from 9:00am – 10:00am. This was part of the Olympics Unleashed program, in which Holly discussed with the cohort aspects of dealing with stress, anxiety, preparation and developing a growth mindset. This will be further built on and referred to in upcoming Year meeting and goal setting.
Furthermore, on the 26th of August, the Year 9 KHHS cohort will be participating with the KYDS Youth Development Service workshop program. This program has been run consecutively over the past several years with student feedback highlighting the effectiveness of the program. With KHHS School Plan Strategic Direction 3: Positive Education and Year 9 Wellbeing focus on mental health and positive relationships, we feel this incursion further supports and extends this significantly. The workshop will run over the entire school day with a focus on discussing and implementing strategies to support relationships, school, work, family and friends, as well as mental health difficulties – such as depression, anxiety and trauma. Preparing and supporting today's youth for life’s challenges.
The cost of the workshop is $30 per student and is not covered under their school fees, an email has previously been sent with links for permission and payment for the incursion. Students which have not provided permission/payment, will be required to attend school as normal. For parents/guardians that require assistance with payment, please contact the KHHS front office.
Kane van Elsland
Year 9 Adviser
Year 11 News
Life Ready
KHHS Year 11 students have hit the ground running for their final term of their Preliminary courses. They began the term by participating in the Life Ready program that involved visits with GPS, seminars on a range of issues affecting young people including drugs and alcohol, safe partying, sexual health and road safety. Students should be commended for the maturity they demonstrated whilst participating in this vital program.
Exam Preparation
They have now shifted their focus toward preparing for the Preliminary examinations that are taking place in weeks 9 & 10. In order to support them in their preparation a number of study sessions have been organised to get them ‘exam fit’. These sessions will not take students out of class, time is already very tight in the lead up to the examination period and we need students in class as much as possible to help prepare them for these exams. Instead, these study sessions will be happening in their study periods.
Week 4 - Tuesday 9th August 1.35-2.30pm
KHHS staff
How to avoid procrastination
Starting and working in a study group
Week 6 - Tuesday 23rd August 1.35-2.30pm
KHHS staff
Exam technique
Examination writing
Week 7 - Thursday 1st September 8.50-9.55am
Elevate facilitators
'Ace your exams' program
This is the same company that presented to students for the 'Study Sensei' seminar earlier this year. We think it is so important that students have access to programs like this, that KHHS is funding the cost of presenting the program to Yr 11 this time. This program will cover time allocation in exams, techniques for managing stress and time pressure in exams and fixing mistakes to ensure improvement.
We are asking for your support and encouragement that all students attend these preparation sessions that have been organised to support them. These will be mandatory for all Year 11 students. If students would normally attend TAFE during Tuesday afternoon, they should continue to attend TAFE and see myself to ensure they get the same tips and preparation as the rest of cohort.
All KHHS staff hope that with these support sessions, Year 11 can achieve their absolute best in their final exams before they begin Yr 12 in Term 4.
Emma Higgs
Year 11 Advisor
Year 12 News
Science
PDHPE
Year 11
Year 11 PDHPE students are being treated to some exciting and important learning for the prelim course. Students have now completed their official First Aid Certificate. A day long course taken by a professional first aid trainer that gives the students a three year qualification to administer first aid at work and in the community.
Also in this term, Year 11 PDHPE students will be participating in an Outdoor Education course where they will plan for and attend, an overnight camping trip to The Basin. Here, they will discover bush walking, orienteering, standup paddleboarding and camping.
Two excursions that will allow the students to put into practice the theory components of the course whilst developing strong skills for their futures.
CAPA
Art Club
Throughout Term 2 our extra passionate KHHS artists joined us for a weekly after school Printmaking Club. We covered a wide range of printmaking techniques and produced a series of stunning self portraits.
For term 3 we have continued to foster the love of art that we share with so many of our students. Last week our after-school photography class started. We had a great turn out of shutterbugs.
Visual Arts
Year 7 have been learning the art of portraiture and have been further developing their drawing skills by learning about proportion and tone.
Year 8. Exploring Surrealism, year 8 have created hybrid animals! They were taught how to paint using gouache and produced stunning preliminary designs for what will soon become a ceramic sculpture.
Year 9. We are having so much fun exploring Street Art with year 9! We have explored a range of different street art techniques and have recently taken our artwork out of the classroom!
Year 10. Experimenting with composition and perspective, year 10 have been looking at the human figure in artworks throughout history. For classwork they looked at the human skeleton to understand proportion. They were challenged to draw a part of the skeleton to create an interesting composition.
Year 11. Looking at Modernism and the modern art timeline students selected a 2D artwork that they were drawn to. They were then challenged to select a part of the artwork that they would transform into a 3D Sculpture. Here are some images of the works in progress:
Year 12 are fast approaching the finish line with their Body of Works. It has been such a joy working with them and seeing their concepts take form. We look forward to showing off their finished masterpieces at the Year 12 Showcase on the evening of the 25th of August. (see invitation under Year 12 News)
Wellbeing
Welcome parents of Killarney Heights High School. What a fast paced start we have had to the term. Our year advisers have been working tirelessly to not only provide ongoing support to the students but implementing the wellbeing strategies embedded throughout each year group through incursions, guest speakers and inclusive activities around the school.
We have been engaging in a wide variety of initiatives throughout the school. Our Aboriginal Education team led by the amazing Kiara Williams presented with a special guest speaker at our NAIDOC week assembly. We also had a smoking ceremony to commemorate the beginning of NAIDOC week and recognising the traditional custodians of this land.
Year 9 had a special treat with Olympian Holly Young (Lincoln-Smith) (Dual Olympian and Bronze Medallist) visiting Killarney Heights High School to discuss stress, anxiety, preparation and a growth mindset. This was part of the Olympians Unleashed program offered to all schools throughout Australia.
Our students have continued to be engaged with the FRIENDS program which finishes this week for the year 7 cohort and will be implemented for the Year 8 and 9 selected students. This program will educate our young students on social and emotional wellbeing, interacting with peers and building respectful relationships with each other.
We also have our Aspire Awards coming up on Thursday the 18th of August (week 5). Students who either achieved academic excellence or sustained effort will be notified shortly. We will be inviting parents along to celebrate the amazing achievements our students have endeavoured to reach and we look forward to celebrating together as a community.
A reminder if you do have any concerns, issues or questions in regards to wellbeing here at the school please email and discuss concerns with the HT Wellbeing.
Julian Aguilera
HT Wellbeing (Rel)
NAIDOC Week
In Week 10, Term 2, Killarney Heights High School celebrated NAIDOC Week. The national theme was Heal Country. It was a beautiful week full of celebration, appreciation and education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their culture.
The celebrations kicked off Monday morning with a smoking ceremony performed by local elder Uncle Neil. Uncle Neil delivered a beautiful Welcome to Country, highlighting the importance of NAIDOC Week. The Aboriginal Flag was raised by Aboriginal student Will Burton who is a young Wiradjuri man, to signify the commencement of our NAIDOC Week celebrations.
Tuesday was our biggest day of celebration with a full school assembly, BBQ fundraiser and students wearing mufti in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag colours. The NAIDOC Week assembly was a truly magnificent event where students and staff were educated about and inspired by Aboriginal Education. The Master of Ceremonies for the assembly was teacher, Gamilaraay woman Mrs Kiara Williams who performed an Acknowledgement of Country by greeting the school in her Country’s native language. Wiradjuri woman Jarin Baigent who owns Jarin Street in Warringah Mall and cofounder of Trading Blak was our guest speaker for the assembly. A group of students formed a panel on stage where they asked Jarin a range of questions about Aboriginal culture and what steps we can take as a school to help with reconciliation. Jarin is a wealth of knowledge and it was such an honour to hear her speak. It was wonderful to have the leaders from Killarney Heights Public attend the assembly as well.
All week, staff wore Indigenous polo shirts and Indigenous music was played for the bell times. A hall of fame of deadly Indigenous people was displayed in the library with a range of Aboriginal films being shown and colouring stations available each break time. On Monday lunch time, a range of Indigenous Games were played in the playground with many staff and students joining in. During Friday lunch time, a bake sale was held that included many native Australian inspired baked goods.
Thank you to all the students, staff, family members and extended community that made NAIDOC Week so special in 2022. We also would like to thank the Prefects, Peer Support Leaders and Run Beyond Project team who volunteered their lunch times to run the games, BBQ and bake sale. We raised over $1400 throughout NAIDOC Week which will be used to develop and build our new Bush Tucker garden this year. We are looking forward to celebrating Indigenous culture all year long at Killarney Heights High School.
The Aboriginal Education Team
Student Achievements
Kai Harris, Year 7, has been selected to represent Australia in the Cal Ripken World Series for baseball in the USA. Kai attended and played in a host tournament over the school holidays on the Gold Coast and was subsequently selected in the team to tour the USA. So far they have played 2 games, won one, lost one. So spirits are high amongst the Australia team.
The Library Lowdown
Premier’s Reading Challenge closes on Friday 19th August. Ensure 20 Books have been logged at the PRC NSW student site.
Find time to read Killarney!
Band News
Congratulations to both the KHHS Big Band and the KHHS Symphonic Winds on their excellent performances this weekend at The Australian School Band & Orchestra Festival.
Big Band performed in the “Judy Bailey” event in the morning and were awarded a SILVER award in their performances alongside Sydney Secondary College, Manly Selective, and The Scots College.
The Symphonic Winds performed for the “Jodie Blackshaw” event later in the afternoon. They performed alongside Manly Selective, Turramurra High School, Barker College, and The Scots College. They received a GOLD award!
Well done to all of our wonderful musicians, and congratulations on all of your hard work.
Blade Fuller
Music
Careers
Year 12
Now that the trial exams are over it is time to focus on your future options.
Use the next few weeks to visit university OPEN days and /or TAFE or Private Colleges who will welcome you with open arms. It is a great opportunity to explore universities, TAFE and private colleges. You can talk to the academics and current students, experience activities/workshops and find out what Uni life/tertiary education can provide.
There are so many opportunities out in the world of work.
The SCHOOL LEAVERS INFORMATION SERVICE run by the Australian Government provides young people aged 15 – 24 years with a free, 45-minute session with a qualified career practitioner over the phone. This session gives young people personalised and tailored assistance when considering their education, training or employment options. Students can access the service by calling 1800CAREER (1800 227337), texting SLIS2022 to 0429 009 435 or by emailing
The SLIS is available on
Students are able to pick up a hard copy from the career’s office.
APPRENTICESHIPS
Full-Time apprenticeships in Carpentry, Automotive or Landscaping are available on the Northern Beaches.
WORK
There is a lot of Part-time, Casual and Full Time work available.
Please see me for more information or check google classroom.
UAC
Applications for tertiary study in 2023 have opened. All students should have received their PIN number in the mail. Students will need their Year 12 student number (issued by NESA) and their UAC PIN to apply. Please keep PIN number safe. On time applications for year 12 applicants close on 30th September and the cost is $73.00. After that date, higher processing charges apply.
UAC EDUCATIONAL ACCESS SCHEMES
Most of UAC’s participating institutions have Educational Access Schemes (EAS) to help students who have experienced long-term educational disadvantage gain admission to tertiary study. To be eligible for EAS consideration, student educational performance must have been seriously affected for a period of at least six months during Year 11 and/or 12 or equivalent, due to circumstances beyond their control and choosing.
Please see Ms McDermott urgently if you think you may be eligible to apply.
SRS (SCHOOLS RECOMMENDATION SCHEME)
Applications are open and close on 19 September. SRS is a program enabling institutions to make early offers to students using criteria other than or in addition to the ATAR, such as school recommendations, senior secondary studies and personal awards and achievements.
EQUITY SCHOLARSHIPS help financially disadvantaged students with the costs associated with higher education. Students apply online for an Equity Scholarship through UAC.
UPDATING CONTACT DETAILS
UAC needs to have the correct contact details for applicants so that all important information about the ATAR and your application is forwarded to the correct address. If details change, please go to Check and Change on the UAC website and update details. Please use a personal email address.
HSC STUDY GUIDE is available on the link below
ACCOUNTING CADETSHIPS
Boroughs Chartered Accountants are currently recruiting for the 2023 Cadetship Program
The PwC Higher Apprenticeship Program has another cohort coming in Jan-Feb 2023. PwC are investing in nurturing and developing young employees whilst they continue to grow, connect and create opportunities here at PwC.
Please see Ms McDermott for more information on either of the programs above.
OPEN DAYS
Now that the trial exams are over, it is time to focus on your future!!
Please click on the link below to access OPEN DAY PLANNER information
Do you want to work in Canada at a ski resort, or know someone who would be interested?
Attend a free webinar on August 9th at 6pm
Register to attend the Webinar: bit.ly/winter365
Click here for more information
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY (YES)
The YES program offers students the opportunity to explore and experience working in an industry that interests them. A student in year 10 participated in a NURSING course. The student enjoyed having the opportunity to experience study in the VET sector at TAFE. She learnt many practical skills and may consider doing Nursing in the future.
WORK EXPERIENCE is available for all eligible students however all YEAR 10 will need to organise a placement for Week 5, Term 4 form the 7th – 11th November.
Students must find an employer, complete all paperwork and return to Ms McDermott before approval is granted.
For appointments to see the Careers Adviser
Please click on the link below to make an appointment
Please check the Careers website for more information and to access the latest newsletter
Ms McDermott
Careers Adviser/TVET coordinator/SBAT coordinator Julie.McDermott@det.nsw.edu.au
The Run Beyond Project
Due to popular demand, The Run Beyond Project is commencing again for the second time this year. The group will be training for The Panorama Punish in October. The race is 6km, the hill is 3km! This rounds fundraising goal is $5,000.
Once again students will be required to participate in fundraising for The Run Beyond Project, attend 90% of training sessions on a Wednesday morning and attend a community event (Running Stars or Park Run) at least one weekend during the program.
This round will be the biggest cohort we have seen with some students coming back to become mentors. This time we also have more teachers coming on board to take up the challenge.
The project is not just about running. It integrates running with community participation, resilience, goal setting and peer support. It is a safe space for students to to something different, take on a challenge and become part of the Killarney Running community.
If you see them out training, give them a cheer and some encouragement.
Community News
Climate Anxiety Survey for Young People
A 30-minute online survey will help researchers from QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, understand how young people 12-17 feel about changes taking place in the earth’s environment. Participating adolescents can go in the draw to win an Apple iPhone SE. Parental consent is required to take part.
Visit the website to learn more: https://bit.ly/surveyforclimate