Newsletter Term 1 April 2025

Principals Report

Navigating Gossip: A Guide for Teens and Parents

In today's world, where social media plays a significant role in our daily interactions, the issue of gossip can often feel inescapable. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of drama surrounding our peers, but understanding the impact of these behaviours is crucial for our personal growth and the health of our relationships.

Many students might find themselves in situations where gossip seems to be the norm. Whether it’s overhearing conversations in the playground or scrolling through social media feeds filled with rumours, it’s important to recognise how these discussions can affect not only those being talked about but also ourselves.

Every day, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your actions and intentions. One effective method is to maintain a journal where you can write down three lists: what you’re grateful for, affirmations about yourself, and your intentions for the day. A common intention might be to avoid gossip. This practice can help you stay accountable and aware of your words and actions.

Gossip often stems from a desire to feel included or superior. We might feel a rush of adrenaline when discussing another person's life choices, but this behaviour can lead to a toxic cycle of negativity. Use your words wisely and recognise the ripple effect they can have on others.

Before you engage in gossip, THINK before you do

These questions can serve as a helpful guide to steer clear of unnecessary drama. However, it’s important to acknowledge that we all slip up sometimes. Instead of harshly judging ourselves for gossiping, we can practice self-forgiveness and strive to do better.

Trust is a vital component of any relationship. If someone feels comfortable gossiping about others in front of you, it’s likely that they’ll do the same behind your back. This can create an unhealthy dynamic and lead to feelings of insecurity. Surrounding yourself with friends who share your values and are committed to positivity can significantly influence your behaviour and mindset.

For parents, it’s essential to foster open communication with your teen about the importance of being kind and respectful with their words. Encourage them to reflect on their interactions and how they can contribute positively to their social circles. Remind them that everyone has their struggles, and it’s important to be compassionate rather than judgemental.

Moreover, practicing mindfulness—checking in with yourself about your thoughts and intentions—can aid in breaking the gossip cycle. Try to engage in conversations that uplift and inspire rather than bring others down. This approach not only enhances your relationships with peers but also improves your relationship with yourself.

Just for today, challenge yourself to be mindful of your words and intentions regarding gossip. By doing so, you’ll likely notice a positive shift in your relationships and, most importantly, within yourself.

Let’s create a school environment where kindness and support thrive, and gossip becomes a thing of the past.

Further reading

https://www.parents.com/spreading-rumors-8648765

School TV Article: Helping Kids Cope with Cliques

Relationship Skills 101 Book

Hayley Emmerton
Principal

Dates to Remember

School Attendance

Killarney Heights High School Attendance Procedures

Our Wellbeing Team has recently reviewed our Attendance Procedures. Regular attendance at school for every student is essential if students are to achieve their potential and increase their career and life options. We are pleased that our school community generally has wonderful attendance.

Supporting positive school attendance is a shared responsibility - everyone has a role. Our Wellbeing Team and Year Advisers are working with students who may be having difficulty with lateness or regular absences. Please see below for student and parent responsibilities as outlined in our school Attendance Procedures:

Students

• Be present and ready to learn
• knowing what class activities are on which school day and having a copy of your timetable.
• making sure you are ready for each school day: uniform, books, bag, lunch.
• chatting with family, a friend or teacher if you have concerns about attending school, or something is making it difficult to get to school.
• Ask a teacher or Year advisor for help if schoolwork is challenging.

Parents

Parents and carers can help foster positive attendance habits by:

• Helping their child learn the importance of punctuality and routine
• Ensuring their child arrives on time from the start of the school day and is ready to participate in learning
• Reducing disruption to learning where possible, by planning any necessary appointments outside of school time
• Working with the school to encourage and support regular attendance
• Any unexplained absences are marked as unjustified/unexplained after 7 days.

Parents are required to explain the absences of their children from school promptly and within seven days to the school at the front office, through text, phone call or email by:

• Replying to the daily SMS
• Sending an email
• Notifying the School via the Sentral Parent Portal
• Providing a note/doctor’s certificate

Parents work in partnership with the school to plan and implement strategies to support regular attendance at school, including communicating with the school if they are aware of issues impacting on their child’s attendance or engagement with school.

If you have any concerns about your child's attendance please contact the school. 

Killarney before school fun:

Duke of Ed

Year 9 Bronze Duke of Ed – Practice Journey

Our Year 9 Bronze Duke of Ed participants recently completed their practice journey, putting to good use the skills developed during Term 1 Sport. Despite a gloomy start and an almost ridiculous number of leeches, they showed resilience and teamwork, pushing through the challenges. Their perseverance paid off, with the sun eventually breaking through to reward them with a beautiful afternoon and a great sense of achievement.

Wellbeing

SPECIAL REPORT: Social Media & Comparison Culture

Young people today are growing up in a world where exposure to other people's lives is constant. Through social media and other platforms, they are regularly presented with curated highlights - from flawless holiday photos and academic milestones to the latest fashion trends and fitness achievements. This continuous stream of idealised content fuels what is known as comparison culture, where self-worth is often measured by how someone stacks up against others.

For children and adolescents, who are still figuring out who they are, this culture can be particularly damaging. Constantly comparing their appearance, achievements, or social standing to friends, influencers, and even strangers can lead to unrealistic expectations and a skewed sense of self-worth. This relentless need to measure up can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and anxiety - undermining both confidence and emotional wellbeing.

It's vital that parents and caregivers understand how deeply comparison culture can influence a child's self-perception and sense of value. Left unchecked, it can foster perfectionism and a dependence on external validation, where a 'like' or comment becomes the measure of their worth.

The good news is, families have a powerful role to play in helping young people navigate these challenges. This Special Report will help you empower your child to build the resilience and confidence needed to navigate today's comparison-driven world and embrace their own unique path.

Here is the link to your Special Report 

https://killarney-h.schools.nsw.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-social-media-comparison-culture-au

This month on SchoolTV - Cybersafety

Young people today are growing up in an increasingly connected world where technology is part of their everyday lives –– for learning, socialising, and entertainment. While the digital world offers enormous benefits, it also comes with serious risks. From cyberbullying and online predators to inappropriate content and screen time concerns, navigating the online environment can be challenging for young people and their families.

Cybersafety is not just about blocking access –– it's about empowering young people with the knowledge and skills they need to use technology responsibly and safely. This includes understanding privacy settings, recognising scams, and developing healthy digital habits. At the same time, it's important for parents and caregivers to stay informed, have open and judgement-free conversations with their children, and lead by example through positive online behaviour.

In today's digital age, safeguarding a child's wellbeing must also include protecting their online life. This edition of SchoolTV will help you better understand the digital landscape your child is navigating and offer practical strategies to help them stay safe, confident and in control online.

Here is the link to your Edition https://killarney-h.schools.nsw.schooltv.me/newsletter/cybersafety-au

Student Achievements

Jasmine Rintel won the NSW State Championships U/18 400m - a fantastic run in hot conditions.

Congratulations to Luca Giddins, he competed at the Australian Youth Beach Volleyball Championships in Coolangatta against 21 other teams from across Australia, and won the Gold medal at the Nationals representing NSW in the U16 Division. Luca and his partner, Arvis, went through the entire tournament undefeated, playing 8 games in total over 4 days and not even dropping a set.

Luca was named MVP of the tournament for his division, this is the plaque he is holding in the photos below.

Congratulations to Year 8 student, Jett Stokes who recently represented NSW at the Australian Track National Championships in Brisbane at the Anna Meares Velodrome.

We’re proud to announce that Jett placed 2nd in the U15 Boys 2000m Individual Pursuit—an incredible achievement at such a prestigious event!

Sam Worthley came in 2nd place in the 14yr old boys division representing Sydney North School Sports Association at the NSWCHSSA Diving Competition.  Congratulations Sam!

Stewart House

Stewart House Donation Drive

We invite you to support NSW public education’s charity of choice, Stewart House, which has been providing care since 1931 for children-in-need from all parts of NSW and the ACT.

Students & families can enter the draw where, for as little as $2, you could win a travel voucher valued at $4,000!  Donation envelopes are available at the office.

About Stewart House

Each year 1,800 public school children-in-need come to Stewart House from many parts of NSW and the ACT. During their 12-day stay at Stewart House, children are provided with medical, dental and optometric assessment and treatment. For children requiring additional support, counselling is available. This is balanced with health and education programs and out of school activities to boost their self-esteem and promote better physical and mental health. These services are provided free of charge to the children who attend this unique facility. For more information please visit their website: https://www.stewarthouse.org.au/

School Travel

Careers Corner

Yaama,

Welcome to Careers Corner! We have been so busy this term in Careers which has been both exciting and rewarding. It has been incredible to see such a large number of students seeking advice regarding their future. Students need to build self efficacy skills so that they can become resilient, confident and independent adults. What better way to practise these skills than by approaching their Careers Adviser when they have questions or concerns for guidance. 

Term 1 Recap: The Careers Office saw over twenty Year 12 students have their Future Pathways Interview and another 40 students in Years 10-12 seeking advice about their future. It is so encouraging to see our students developing a sense of  responsibility for their learning and future. 

Term 2 Focus: It is going to be another busy one with a big focus on our Year 10 cohort as they navigate subject selection for senior school. Future Pathways Interviews will be prioritised for Year 10, where they will have the opportunity to speak one on one with the Careers Adviser. All year 10 students will have the opportunity to access information about work experience, how to select the ‘right’ senior subjects, as well as alternative study options such as TAFE through Year Meetings and their Year 10 Google Classroom. 

Year 12 will have some big dates coming up in Term 2 with UAC opening just before the Easter holidays, university open days, careers expos, early entry applications open and prepping for their Trial Examinations. Year 12 students are encouraged to check the Year 12 Google Classroom for the most up to date Careers Education information, as well as key dates for lunchtime workshops and presentations. 

Important Dates in April and May:

Careers Office availability in Term 2 is: 

Week A: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

Week B: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. 

Students are able to come and ask a quick question or book an appointment during recess and lunch 1. Appointments are 30 minutes and will be scheduled when possible during a student’s free period. 

Mrs Kiara Williams
Careers Adviser
https://www.killarneyheightshscareers.com/ 

Community News