Newsletter Term 4 Week 10 2023

Principals Report

Celebrating Achievements

In recent weeks, the Killarney Heights High School community has come together to acknowledge and celebrate the successes of our students, teachers, and parents. After a year of hard work, it's essential to take a moment and recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our school community. Many students pursue excellence in sports, academics, and their personal interests driven by a genuine passion, and we strive to foster this healthy approach to success.

Last Tuesday evening, we celebrated academic achievements for students from Year 7 to Year 11. It's crucial to acknowledge the consistent efforts of all students, including those who may be quiet achievers. Killarney Heights High School is proud to be one of the best non-selective schools in NSW. Our outstanding results extend across various subjects, demonstrating the remarkable talents of our students.

This year’s HSC results are once again amazing, including Diane Luong gaining 1^st in the State in French Continuers, with congratulations going to her teacher Ms Madeleine Pho. Ava Scotter gained 1^st in the state for Dutch continuers as well – what a great effort. We heard yesterday that Zac Blades’ Personal Interest Project for Society and Culture was one of the top in the state and will be on display at the State Library – this is a first for us in that subject, congratulations also go to his teacher Natasha Shepanski. All other subjects have shown improvement, demonstrating that what we are doing here at Killarney Heights High School is effective.

Our success is a testament to the dedication of our quality teachers and head teachers who continually strive to improve their practices through initiatives like Instructional Rounds. This year we have been building skills on Trauma Informed Practice and ensuring classes are ordered, quiet and predictable places to allow learning to occur.  Our teachers have been trained in explicit teaching, so that every student can achieve success, by teachers guiding students at each step.

It's not just about academic success; our students also shine in the arts and extracurricular activities. The Xmas Factor showcased the incredible talents of our students and teachers, and more recently the Junior Showcase, proudly exhibited the skills and experience of students in the music, drama and visual arts.

Beyond academics and the arts, our students excel in sports, with achievements in basketball, athletics, gymnastics, orienteering, and more. We extend our gratitude to the teachers who generously devote their time to coach our sports teams, and parents who assist us in this.

As parents, your support is invaluable in contributing to the success of our students. While we cannot give awards to every student, we encourage you to review your child's report and emphasize the positive aspects. By focusing on the positives, we believe we can empower our children. If there are areas for improvement, have a conversation with your child to discuss the changes they can make for better results next time.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our hardworking and caring teachers, who ensure that every student is learning and growing. The success of our school would not be possible without their dedication and the additional efforts of everyone involved.

Hayley Emmerton
Principal

Dates to Remember

School Photo Day

CAPA

Celebrating excellence in HSC Drama and Visual Arts!  

Congratulations to Year 12 students Zac Blades (Drama) and Miles Guy (Visual Arts) from our 2023 cohort who have been nominated for their respective HSC showcases, Onstage and Art Express.  

Each year in the practical exams, HSC markers nominate exemplary work from around the state to be considered for inclusion to serve as quality models for future students. It is a rare and privileged honour to receive these nominations and Killarney congratulates Zac and Miles on their talent and dedication.  

Miles’ drawing The Warrior & The Muse explores contrasting gender dynamics within ancient Greece, and reflects how ancient ideals of femininity persist in modern society.  

Zac performed a monologue from Australian playwright Suzie Miller’s smash hit play, Prima Facie. The play centres around a female protagonist in an unexpected event that forces her to confront the lines where the patriarchal power of the law and morality diverge. Zac condensed this one-woman play into a 7 minute performance, adapted for a male character.  

English

Year 9 Poetry Showcase

2023 saw the return of the KHHS Year 9 Poetry Showcase Evening at Harry Hartog Warringah Mall. This event involved a selection of students nominated by class teachers for their original poems composed in Term 2. Students participated in a poetry polishing workshop over two days with Ms Stock in preparation to present their work to an audience of family and friends.

A range of special awards and prizes were awarded on the night:

Haeum Moon – Most Outstanding Poem

Gidget Robin – Highly Commended

Yoav Pat – People’s Choice

Special thanks to Niamh Palmer for Mc-ing the event and to Mrs Cunningham and Mrs Adlard for their hard work organising the event.

Languages

French for Background Speakers

Bonjour,
The Y7 French Background Speakers class enthusiastically participated in the Linguafest language contest organised by the MLTANSW (Modern Language Teachers Association of NSW). Their creative endeavour took the form of a short film titled "Le saucisson temporel." Students were required to incorporate the word "necklace" somewhere in the short film, and the overarching theme was "History." This project spanned an entire term (Term 3) and commenced with students individually writing a story. They voted to select their favourite story for adaptation into the short film contest. Under the guidance of Rob Malicki, the students dedicated themselves to the tasks of filming, sound recording, and editing.  The collaborative effort resulted in an outstanding achievement!

“It was very fun to act with the whole class especially because it took few attempts to get enough material. It taught me that nothing is perfect in the first try and you must put effort into the acting to get it right. As an end-to-end process, this experience also taught me that it takes a lot of time and effort to make a 2 min video.” Thomas O.

“Our Linguafest film was a great way to learn, have fun and connect with my classmates. It was not too hard to create and our whole class worked hard together. I find this a great activity to do since it helps you practise a new language and gives you a new skill for the future.” Adrien D.

The class attended the 2023 LinguaFest Film Competition Finalist Screenings. They had the opportunity to view their entry and enjoy other submissions from Stages 3 to 5 in various languages. The class won 1st prize in the Stage 4 category and a $300 voucher that was utilised to purchase French board and card games.

“I enjoyed working with my classmates on this project and exchanging ideas. My role was to prepare the props and sets for the film. It was productive and fun! The project also brought us closer together as a class. I learned how to make a film and the different steps involved. It was really cool to win 1st prize! We even got Orangina! I think the whole class was really proud.” Charlotte P

“I had a blast being in charge of the filming team. It was so much fun to be behind the camera. When we found out that we won 1st place, I was totally shocked. It made me super happy and proud of the work we put into it.” Romain C.

“The before school French programme participates every year in a language competition called Linguafest, where competitors create a two-minute film. This year, Killarney French class is proud to announce that thanks to the dedication of our teacher, students and parent helpers we won the title of best in stage. A special thanks to our teacher Madame Charbonneau for her dedication to our class.” Amber H.

You can watch our award-winning film 'Le saucisson temporel' with English subtitles at the following link:

Congratulations to Ariane A. (Y9) and his friends for winning the best editing prize! What an incredible achievement!

Mrs Charbonneau

KHHS Basketball

After school KHHS Basketball have had a fantastic season with 8 teams making it through to semi-finals and 4 teams to grand finals.

A year 7 team and year 8 team won their grand finals to become Grand Champions. Aylish Scotter coaches the year 7 team and Luca Suib coaches the year 8 team.

Science

Exciting Eco-Adventure: Students wriggle into Sustainability at Kimbriki EcoHouse!

We're thrilled to share the highlights of our recent excursion to Kimbriki EcoHouse, where our students immersed themselves in a world of sustainability and environmental awareness.

ADAM Principles in Composting:
An acronym guiding composting practices: Aliveness, Diversity, Aeration, Moisture. Students stuck their fingers into worm farms of all kinds to practice the ADAM principles.

Unveiling Kimbiki's Waste Sorting Secrets:
Students had the privilege of uncovering the mystery behind waste sorting. The excursion shed light on the efficient waste management system of Kimbriki Tip, emphasising the significance of bin colors and their role in making waste disposal more streamlined and eco-friendly.

Crafting Worm Tea: 
A delightful session unfolded as students learned the art of making worm tea—an enriching liquid fertiliser. This engaging process provides a sustainable and nutrient-rich solution for our gardens, fostering a deeper appreciation for eco-friendly practices.

Native Raspberry Delight:
Amidst the enriching educational experiences, students indulged in the delicious sweetness of many native raspberries. This not only tantalized their taste buds but also showcased the biodiversity and richness of our natural surroundings.

We are immensely proud of our students for their enthusiastic participation and eagerness to absorb valuable insights during this excursion. The knowledge gained will undoubtedly contribute to their roles as responsible stewards of our environment.

Thank you for your continued support in fostering an appreciation for sustainability and eco-conscious practices among our students.

Ms Olivia Wiyana
Y10 Year Advisor

Wellbeing

Message From The School Counsellor

Priorising Mental Health Support for the Holiday Season
As we approach the summer holidays, we acknowledge that this time of year can pose unique challenges for families. The absence of the school routine and limited access to support networks and extended friendship groups can contribute to increased stress levels. 

HeadStart Northern Sydney Mental Health Navigation Tool:
For those experiencing mental health concerns or seeking guidance, Headstart Northern Sydney has introduced a valuable mental health navigation tool. This service is designed for individuals but also for their friends, family, and caregivers. It offers both in-person and online support and is accessible to people living or working in the Northern Sydney Region.

Ask Izzy- A Comprehensive Support Platform:
Another resource worth exploring is Ask Izzy, a platform connecting individuals in need with various support services. From housing and meals to financial assistance, family violence support, and access to counseling, Ask Izzy provides a comprehensive range of resources to meet diverse needs.

As we navigate the challenges of the holiday season, it's crucial to stay connected and seek the support that best suits our individual circumstances.

Mental Health Helpline: 1800 011 511
Mental Health Line is NSW Health's 24/7 statewide phone service which links people with NSW Health mental health services. It is a free service. It is staffed by trained mental health professionals who: offer mental health advice.

School Counselling Staffing 2024

It is with sadness we farewell Joseph Taffa, who has been a valuable member of our team at Killarney Heights High School. Joseph will be transitioning to a casual contract while leaving his permanent position he will remain in our team servicing schools in the Forest and Northern Beaches network. He has played a pivotal role in providing outstanding support to our students, and will be deeply missed by both staff and students. We extend our heartfelt wishes to Joseph as he embarks on this new chapter.

Ali Malone will continue to be a part of our counseling team at Killarney Heights, and we are excited to welcome Lucas Knight. Together, along with our SSO Eddie Payne and the Learning Support Team we look forward to maintaining and enhancing the support we provide to the students at Killarney Heights High School.

Wishing everyone a restful and rejuvenating holiday season filled with connection and self-care.

Warm regards,

Joseph Taffa and Ali Malone

Understanding Your Childs Strengths

Thank you to all the parents and carers who came to our amazing Parent Session on Tuesday evening 14 Nov on Understanding Your Child's Strengths. Sonia Brooke took us through the trip hazards for identifying strengths, such as our negativity bias, selective attention, projection and binary thinking. Strengths are the things or characteristics that we find energizing, we perform well in, and use alot. This quiz helps us to identify our strengths. https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths-via (Your family might like to take the quiz and discuss!). Understanding our strengths, and the strengths of others in our family, will help us to thrive! Here are Sonia's top tips for using our strengths: 

Lean in to your strengths, and the strengths of others! 

SPECIAL REPORT: Gambling & Young People

The digital era has made gambling more accessible, and certain factors are elevating the risk of problematic gambling among young people. A new grey area is emerging, with smartphones at their fingertips blurring the boundaries between gambling and entertainment, especially within the realms of video games and social media. The current generation of young people are growing up in an unprecedented time and research highlights that a significant percentage of adolescents are involved in gambling activities.

Reports of young people gambling are frequent with many experiencing adverse consequences such as diminished academic performance and strained relationships. Today’s youth are growing up in a digital age characterised by constant connectivity, and the gambling industry has evolved significantly during their formative years. Simulated gambling, such as in video games, can further increase the likelihood of teenagers transitioning to real-money gambling and developing future gambling-related problems.

It's crucial to foster open discussions about positive media choices to help children navigate through responsible online gaming and gambling. By encouraging a balanced approach to screen time and promoting alternative activities, will help set some clear boundaries to avoid potential gambling-related issues.

This Special Report provides guidance on how to empower young people to make responsible choices in this digital age. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please consider seeking medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report

https://killarney-h.schools.nsw.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-gambling-young-people-au

Student Support Officer (SSO) Eddie Payne

The Killarney community is fortunate to welcome Eddie Payne as our new Student Support Officer (SSO). Eddie has previously worked for PCYC as their Youth Liaison Officer. He has a good understanding of the issues facing young people today and the local services that can support youth.  As SSO, Eddie is an integral part of our Wellbeing Team, educating and supporting students in a range of wellbeing issues. Eddie runs programs at our school to help improve attendance, engagement and connections in our school which in turn lead to better learning outcomes for students. Students are referred to the SSO via the wellbeing team. This term Eddie is running the following groups and evidence-based programs:

Baking for Wellness - self care, stress management
Gardening Club - building connections, working together to serve others, improving the school environment 
School Projects Group  building connections, working together to serve others, improving the school environment 
 Fit4Life: The program will utilise physical activity and exercise as a tool to control their emotions.  
Rock and Water:  Rock and Water utilises a series of exercises and games which are practised to develop confidence and self-reflection. 
Breakfast Club: Breakfast club is a whole school wellbeing initiative. Students are invited to join us in B-Block every Thursday morning, from 08:00 am to 8:30 am, where a selection of wholesome breakfast options will be provided. This is not only an opportunity for students to have a nutritious breakfast, but also to engage in conversations with peers and teachers. The program aims to improve attendance, build a sense of community and promote a healthy start to the day.

Coming next year (and more!):

RAGE (Renegotiating Angry and Guilty Emotion): The RAGE program is a 6-week solution-based program that introduces the topics of reflecting on anger, recognizing anger symptoms & identifying the different faces of anger.  

Feel Good Fridays/Fitness Fridays: is a whole school wellbeing initiative aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and forming a strong school community connection. Exercise has been proven to have a positive effect on a person's mental health and overall wellbeing. By starting the day with an exercise session we will be setting students up for success. As a team I hope we can create a goal for next year to reach such as completing a Tough Mudder or Spartan Race. 

Book Packs 2024

Killarney Heights High School 2024 Stationery Requirements – Year 7-12

Book packs can be ordered from Humphreys. Pickups are not permitted from the Balgowlah or Manly store. The orders will only be delivered to a home/work address.

Please allow 5 business days after the order has been placed for the stationery pack to be delivered

The stationery packs can be ordered as follows:
To order:

1. Go to booklists.com.au/humphreys
2. Enter your school code in the top left corner – KHHS2024
3. Select the year level of your child.
4. Enter all your details at the bottom of the order form as it requires.
5. After clicking “Place Order”, you will be taken to the next screen which gives you the option to purchase another stationery pack. If this is necessary, please click “Add another booklist” and repeat steps 3 and 4 for all necessary year groups.
6. After doing this, click “Proceed to payment options”. This will take you to another screen in which there is an option to click “Pay now.”
7. Please proceed to the payment options. You will be taken to the PayPal website. You may login to your PayPal account if you have one. You may also pay with your card if you wish to. We accept            MasterCard or Visa.
8. Once payment details are filled in, you will return to the Book List website. Here, you can download a copy of your order(s) through a PDF.
   

Please note there will be a $6.00 package and handling fee.

If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact Humphreys at booklists@humphreys.com.au

Student Achievements

Jasmine Rintel is in Perth Western Australia this week, representing NSW in the National All Schools Athletics Championships running in the the U16 400M and is also in the NSW relay team in the  4 x 400m.

Annabelle Dietrich has been selected to go to the World Acrobatics Gymnastics Championships next year with her trio.

Careers

I wish the Year 12 class of 2023 all the best in their future careers. There are many different pathways for each and every one of you to explore and even though it may take a while, I am sure that you will find your DREAM job!!  So good luck and enjoy!

ATAR release 2023

Key dates

ATARs will be released at 9am on Thursday 14 December 2023.

December Round 2, on Thursday 21 December, is the first offer round for Year 12 students based on ATARs.

The change of preference deadline for December Round 2 is 11.59pm on Friday 15 December.

ATAR access

NSW students

By 9am on Thursday 14 December, UAC will send students an email with a quick link to the ATAR login. If you are a UAC applicant you’ll also receive the link via SMS. You will need your NESA student number and UAC PIN to log in. 

When students view their ATAR, they can download their official ATAR Advice Notice. It's free until Wednesday 13 March 2024: after this date you will need to buy it from the UAC Shop.

Students will also be able to access and store their ATAR in the free digital wallet, CredFolio. More information and registration details will be sent to students soon.

Offers

The most important offer rounds for Year 12 students are:

• December Round 2 – Thursday 21 December (first offer round for Year 12 students based on ATARs)
• January Round 1 – Thursday 11 January 2024 (offers based on ATARs and IB results)

ATAR Enquiry Centre

The ATAR Enquiry Centre – (02) 9119 5012 – will be open on the following days for students who have queries about the calculation of their ATAR:

• Thursday 14 December      8.30am to 6.30pm
• Friday 15 December            8.30am to 4.30pm 
• Saturday 16 December       Closed
• Sunday 17 December          Closed
• Monday 18 December         8.30am to 4.30pm
• Tuesday 19 December         8.30am to 4.30pm         

If students have forgotten their Year 12 student number, they should contact NESA. If they’ve forgotten their UAC PIN, they should call UAC Customer Service on (02) 9752 0200, 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday you will need NESA student number).

Students who have applied through UAC can reset their UAC PIN using the link on the application login page.

Locking in preferences

Once students receive their ATAR they should log in to their application and review their preferences. 

UAC advises students to put their dream course first. Even if their ATAR isn’t what they hoped, it’s good to leave their first preference in place because lowest selection ranks change from year to year.

UAC advises students to research the full range of courses in the field that they’re hoping to study. If they find courses that have previously had lower selection ranks than their dream course, they can add them to the bottom of their list of preferences. This way, if they miss out on their dream course, they'll have a good chance of getting an offer to something similar.

UAC GOES LIVE

UAC is running a live Facebook and Instagram session for students.

• Wednesday 13 December, 5.30pm 

Topic covered include what students should do when they receive their ATAR, how to order their preferences, possible adjustment factors, maximising their chance of receiving an offer and what to do when they receive – or don’t receive – an offer, and other pathways to course entry.

Questions can be posted beforehand in the comments or send a DM.

OTHER CAREER NEWS

The University of Sydney Information Day - Friday 15 December Start a career journey to Sydney. Students attending will have an opportunity to get personalised course advice before finalising their UAC preferences, along with information sessions and campus tours. Students can register now to plan their schedule and utilise the resources offered on Info Day to embark on their dream study and career journey. Find out more and register below https://bit.ly/USYDInfoDay2023

The University of Sydney: UAC – Understanding How Preferences and Offers Work – Friday 15 December This webinar will provide information for Year 12 students, parents and guardians to help them confidently navigate the UAC offer rounds, engage with offers received, and use the UAC system to their advantage. The webinar will also give top tips to help prepare students for their first year of university. The session will end with a Q&A with admissions experts. Register here: https://bit.ly/3RcWDGN.

The Women's College within The University of Sydney Information Day - Friday 15 December Students can secure their accommodation and learn about academic support for their university studies by visiting Women's College on Info Day, before finalising their UAC preferences. Meet the Principal and Women's College students, tour College and enjoy some light refreshments. Register: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1138591.

UNSW Young Women in Engineering Pathway Program Open Now for Registrations The UNSW Young Women in Engineering Pathway Program for 2024 Year 11 and Year 12 students interested in undertaking an engineering challenge at UNSW is now open. The program runs February to March 2024 taking the place of the UNSW GIE FEAS Program as an alternate pathway to UNSW Engineering. For more information visit: https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/study-with-us/young-wie-club/young-wie-pathway-program.

Open Day | JMC ACADEMY Saturday 20 January 2024, 561 Harris Street, Ultimo. See creativity come to life and explore a creative future. Tour world-class facilities and activations, network and meet students and industry experts, check out live performances. Register now: https://www.jmcacademy.edu.au/news-and-events/events/january-2024-open-day-expression-of-interest/.

Canberra Institute of Technology Course Information Sessions The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) has upcoming information sessions across a broad range of course areas. This is an excellent opportunity for prospective students to speak directly with CIT teachers to explore their course and career options. Learn more: www.cit.edu.au/study/information_sessions.  

Notre Dame Invitation to Options Day - Friday 15 December, 10am-2pm Join in at the bustling Broadway campus for Options Day 2023. Students can find out everything they need and want to know about Notre Dame so they can start their studies in 2024 with confidence. Students can discuss their options, change preferences and enrolment information including their Early Offer and more. Registrations essential: https://bit.ly/49MLJyT.

Canberra Institute of Technology | Graphic Design Exhibition 'FUSION' Prospective graphic design students are invited to explore their course interests at FUSION, an innovative exhibition showcasing the work of graduating and continuing graphic design students from the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT). Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/canberra-institute-of-technologys-graphic-design-exhibition-fusion-tickets-736415768387.

Charles Sturt Parent Podcast | Charles Sturt University Charles Sturt has developed a new podcast series to help parents of a child thinking about going to university. The podcast aims to inform parents of information they need to know, in short episodes designed for busy people. The latest episode showcases how much of an impact a scholarship can make to a student's career and study journey, listen here: https://bit.ly/ParentPodcastEpisode7.

AFTRS Upcoming courses:

Make the most of Summer at AFTRS honing your filmmaking, directing and lighting skills with our intensive courses or exploring voice-over, video creation and presentation skills with our fundamental courses.  

Lighting Intensive | 8 January (on campus) 

Mobile Content Creation | 10 January (online) 

Writing a TV Series | 15 January (online) 

Filmmaking Intensive | 15 & 29 January (on campus) 

Presentation Skills | 16 January (online) 

Storytelling for Business | 17 January (online) 

Voice Over Fundamentals | 20 January (on campus) 

Podcasting for your Brand | 23 January (online) 

Directing Intensive | 29 January (on campus) 

Brief to Script to Great Video | 30 January (online) 

Year 10

It has been very busy for me over the last few weeks but I hope that Year 10 students benefitted from the following activities.

WORK EXPERIENCE –

Over 185 Year 10 students participated in the work experience program which was held from the 6th – 10^th November.

Most students were engaged in a very positive and rewarding experience.

Students were given the opportunity to learn new skills and pursue areas that they were interested in.  We hope that all students acquired an awareness and understanding of the ‘world of work' and that this knowledge will help them to understand further study and training options.  Many of our students were offered part time jobs!

Students were able to work in a number of very diverse industries. We had students working in many different industries including beauty, retail, construction, engineering, hospitality, education ,  health, IT, marketing and lots more. Congratulations to all students! One very lucky student was able to visit the Observatory at Coonabarabran.

AMY enjoying Childcare

Conor at the Observatory - Coonabarabran

First Aid Course

We had 100 YEAR 10 students complete the ‘APPLY FIRST AID ‘course. Students learnt a number of skills and knowledge that will enable them to provide first aid response and life support until qualified emergency help arrives. Students learnt the basics in bandaging, managing fractures, sprains, bleeds, poisoning, anaphylaxis, strokes, seizures and CPR. Congratulations to all students who completed the course.

All students will receive the following qualifications

The career newsletter is available on the school career website https://www.killarneyheightshscareers.com/

Please email Julie.McDermott@det.nsw.edu.au or phone to make an appointment or book an appointment online https://www.killarneyheightshscareers.com/for-parents/appointment-booking

Wishing everyone a safe and joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Ms McDermott
Careers Adviser

E-bike essentials: A parent's guide to safe riding

Christmas is weeks away and we’re guessing that Santa will be squeezing e-bikes down many chimneys for Northern Beaches teenagers this year. 

Navigating a new world with an e-bike or other e-mobility devices under your roof can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it comes to ensuring your child’s behaviour on a bike remains safe and legal. 

We’ve prepared this guide to help you get the facts on what is legal and sensible, and tips to help you guide your kids to keep them and everyone else safe on local roads and shared paths. 

1. Helmets are non-negotiable!
Helmets are not just a good idea, they are a legal requirement for all bicycle riders, including those on e-bikes. Like them or not, kids and adults need to wear them. Learn more about helmets. 

2. What’s legal, and what’s not
In NSW, all e-mobility devices except e-bikes are restricted to private property only. This means e-scooters, hoverboards and other e-mobility devices can’t be legally ridden on the road or footpath. Breaking this rule can lead to a hefty fine of $723.

3. Know your e-bike speed limits and keep them legal
E-bikes are a fantastic way to get around but tweaking them to exceed the 25km/hr speed limit without pedalling makes them illegal. Doing so could land you and your child with a $723 fine for riding an unregistered device, and potentially an additional infringement for riding a vehicle without a license. 
Bike shops might not always disclose this information, so make sure you know what the e-bike is set to and if your child or anyone else, has tampered with it. 

4. Ding-ding! All bicycles need a bell
Ensure your child's bike is equipped with a bell. It's a small but essential safety feature that can prevent collisions and help alert pedestrians and other cyclists of their presence.

5. Pedestrians first: Etiquette on shared paths
Teach your child to slow down, ring their bell when approaching pedestrians, and give way courteously. Overtaking should be avoided or done slowly and cautiously.

6. Safe speeds in public spaces
Kids don’t all understand what ‘safe speed’ means. Emphasise to them the importance of responsible speed, especially in crowded areas like shopping districts. Pedestrians may unexpectedly step onto a path, and maintaining a safe speed can prevent accidents and promote a safer environment for everyone.

7. Liability and insurance: Prepare for the unexpected
In the event of an accident, did you know that you as a parent may be held responsible for your child’s behaviour on an e-bike or other device? 

Consider looking into bicycle insurance to protect against potential liability issues. And note, insurance is void for illegal devices, so ensure your family’s e-bike is in compliance with regulations, and that no-one is riding other illegal devices in public spaces.

8. Inducting your child to the road and shared paths
This may sound crazy, but we recommend you implement an induction process for your child, teaching them the etiquette of sharing roads and paths with other users. This could help them understand traffic rules, develop respect for pedestrians, and become aware of their surroundings.

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