Newsletter Term 2 May 2025

Principals Report

The Strength of Community

Dear Families,

Term Two is always a full and fast-paced chapter in the school year. With assessments, sporting carnivals, performances, excursions, and significant assemblies, students are called upon to bring focus, energy, and resilience to all areas of school life. Among the busyness, it’s important to pause and reflect on what holds all of this together: a strong, respectful school community.

Schools are, first and foremost, communities. Yes, they’re places of learning—of subjects, skills, and assessments—but more than that, they are places where people come together every day with a shared purpose. Students, staff, families—each of us contributes to the shape and tone of our school community. And the way we work together matters.

A strong school community isn’t something that just happens—it’s something we create, together, each day. It grows in the quiet moments: when a student invites someone new to join their group, when a teacher goes the extra mile to check in on a learner who’s struggling, when a family reaches out with support not just for their own child, but for the good of the whole. It’s built when we choose kindness over convenience, when we listen before we speak, and when we each take ownership of the culture we’re shaping. These moments may seem small, but together they form the foundation of something powerful—a place where every person feels seen, safe, and part of something bigger than themselves.

Harmony doesn’t mean uniformity. In any vibrant school, there will be differences—in background, perspective, personality. But the strength of a cohesive community is that those differences don’t divide us. Instead, we learn how to live and work alongside one another with respect, generosity, and care. We find common ground, even when we don’t see things the same way.

That’s why we teach and model skills like active listening, empathy, and perspective-taking. These aren’t just about conflict resolution—they’re about making sure that our classrooms, our playgrounds, and our staffrooms are places where people feel safe, valued, and able to contribute.

When students experience this kind of environment—where people support one another, where kindness is expected, where challenges are worked through thoughtfully—they don’t just learn how to be good students. They learn how to be good citizens. And that is one of the most important outcomes of a good education.

I encourage you to speak with your young person about how to navigate difference in a way that celebrates the strength of our diversity. These are conversations that reinforce what we aim to do at school: build not just knowledge, but character. And as always, if things don’t go to plan—if your child faces a challenge, or if something feels out of step—please reach out. We value working in partnership with families to support each student’s growth, wellbeing, and sense of belonging.

Warmly,

Katie Rose
Relieving Principal

Dates to Remember

Year 7 News

It’s been a busy and exciting term for our Year 7 students!  They’ve continued to settle into high school life, growing in confidence and independence each week. From engaging in athletics assessments in PDHPE to showcasing their creativity in Technology and Visual Arts, it’s been great to see students challenging themselves and supporting each other.

We were also proud to present several Year 7 students with awards at our recent assembly, recognising their outstanding effort, resilience, and contribution to the school community.

Well done, Year 7 – keep up the great work!! 

Leonie Anoniou
Year 7 Advisor

Merit Awards

Year 8 News

Year 8 students have made a fantastic start to the year, enthusiastically embracing new subjects such as History and Languages while continuing to build on their foundations from Year 7. It has been a pleasure to visit classrooms and see the high standard of work being produced across a variety of learning environments.

A key focus for Year 8 Wellbeing this year is fostering positive relationships and connections between peers. With many students placed in new class groupings, it has been heartening to see new friendships forming and students engaging with peers they may not have interacted with last year. We encourage all students to remain open to new connections—whether by joining a new co-curricular activity or simply starting a conversation with someone new during recess or lunch. These small steps can lead to lasting friendships and a stronger sense of belonging.

Later this term, Year 8 students will take part in a workshop with Optus Digital Thumbprint, where they’ll explore the importance of respectful relationships in online spaces. The session will cover essential topics such as digital privacy, online behaviour and navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital world.

Lastly, congratulations to all the Year 8 students who have received awards for their Killas. Your commitment to our school values—Respect, Connect, and Aspire—is something to be proud of. Keep up the excellent work!

Paula Morris
Year 8 Advisor

Merit

• Asher Roberts
• Rose Emery
• Rex Bacic

Ribbon

• Lachlan Mills
• Samuel Tantillo
• Jayden Wessels
• Sakura Stevens
• Seb Salisbury
• Zoe Praca Cavaco Nunes
• Archie Jackson
• Ryan Farrant
• Lil Beilby
• Willow Baker

Bronze Medal

• Zoe Jelinek
• Niamh Sole
• Aiden Watson
• Eliza Stentiford
• Cameron Reid
• Romy Pat
• Aisha Marouk
• Lion Lin
• Lewis Hunziker

Year 9 News

Students in Year 9 have embraced the beginning of Term 2 and have been working hard with their revision for assessments and fully engaging in the diverse learning opportunities available at Killarney. They are encouraged to develop personalised study plans that reflect the needs and demands of their electives and extracurricular commitments.

In Week 7, we have an exciting excursion planned for Year 9, where students will participate in a special one-day TEDx-style event. This event aims to equip young people with essential skills such as resilience, the ability to combat bullying, motivation strategies, the power of perspective, and the importance of making wise decisions. Collaborating with educators, Stand Tall brings together world-class athletes, popular musicians, and inspirational speakers who share their life experiences in a way that resonates with Australian teenagers. This presents a fantastic opportunity for our students.

Congratulations to those who received merit, ribbon, or bronze awards this week. Our Rewards System is designed to recognise students who consistently demonstrate our core school values: Connect, Respect, and Aspire. It is wonderful to see so many Year 9 students being recognised with Killas and exemplifying the values of our school.

Lisa Trafford
Year 9 Advisor

Merit

• Elena Adamian
• Tom McCormick
• Theo Vaz Lima
• Kai Byrne
• Max Hetherington
• Lucas Rolfe

Ribbon

• Chloe Nassif
• Koralei Casper
• Harrison Waddell
• Liam Johnson
• Neo Nagamatsu
• Lucas Hoy
• David Cloete
• Nicholas Blundell
• Elliot Atkins
• Laurence Ashby
• William Roach
• William Ross

Bronze Medal

• Calypso Creffield
• Romain Charbonneau
• Nathan Yong
• Amelie Godfrey
• Benjamin Holbrook
• Jasmine-Rose Magill
• Leo Quack
• Garin Saenmuang
• Izak Szyszka
• Sam Worthley
• Evie Rayner-Harvey
• Skye Morris
• Amber Hautemont

Year 10 News

 A warm welcome back to Term 2 to Year 10 students and families. Students have begun the term with a refreshed and renewed positive attitude to completing all tasks to the best of their abilities. Year 10s in Term 2 will continue studying their core and elective syllabus content and later on will begin thinking about Senior courses for Year 11 and 12. Students and Parents will be issued with a subject selection booklet in week 5/6 this term and students will hear from teachers about specific subjects. I would encourage Year 10 students to speak with teachers during this process so that they can better understand the expectations of senior courses and make informed decisions regarding their senior subjects. This will be followed by reports and parent teacher night taking place in week 8. So, it is a busy term for Year 10s thinking about future pathways.

I would also like to congratulate Year 10 students who have recently received recognition for their ongoing hard work in the classroom and around the school. It was fantastic to see the following students receive ribbons, and Bronze and Silver medals at the recent assembly. Keep earning those killas!!

Ribbon

• Jai Jansen

Bronze Medal

• Connor Edge
• William Jackson
• Mila Rios
• Olivia Yen
• Holly Zingel

Silver Medal

• Jessia Yoshida
• Anna Luong

Emma Higgs
Year 10 Advisor

Year 11 2026 Course Application Process & Timeline

Students, parents and caregivers will be provided with subject specific information in preparation for the Stage 6 Course Application process. Please take some time to sit down with your young person and support them as they explore the information, especially when working through their Career Profile. These profiles are a key part of our school-wide approach to supporting student agency and future planning. They help students reflect on their individual interests, values and strengths, laying the foundation for more confident and informed subject selection.

The timeline is as follows:

1. Term 2 Week 6 & 7 (June 4^th - June 10^th) - Course selection seminars provide opportunities for students to attend information sessions and speak with teachers about course selection.
2. Term 2 Week 8 Thursday (June 19^th) - Parent/Teacher evening and Year 11 2026 Course Information Evening for students, parents and caregivers. This event provides additional information about HSC and ATAR eligibility requirements and the process of course selection.
3. Term 2 Week 8 Friday (June 20^th) - Students complete a course selection survey to submit expressions of interest in particular Year 11 courses. This information is used to create the formal subject availability and timing.
4. Term 3 Week 1 - Formal Course Application Process begins.
5. Term 3 Week 4 - Students and parents participate in one-on-one academic counselling sessions. Their career and post-school study aspirations are discussed, and course preferences are reviewed and finalised. Students and parents/caregivers endorse course choices by signing the course selection forms.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us so we can work together to ensure a smooth transition into 2026

Year 11 News

Dear Parents and Carers,

At Killarney Heights High School, we are dedicated to nurturing a supportive and respectful environment where our students can thrive. We are thrilled to share the remarkable achievements of our Year 11 students this term, as they continue to embody our core school values: Connect, Respect, and Aspire.

Our Rewards System has been instrumental in recognising and celebrating the fantastic contributions of our students to the school community. This system encourages our students to engage in positive behaviours both in the classroom and on the playground. Here’s a brief overview of how our Killa awards work:

• White Killa: Awarded for positive behaviour that reflects our school values.
• Blue Killa: Given for outstanding contributions in academics, leadership, community service, sport, or the arts. A Blue Killa is worth 5 White Killas

These awards accumulate towards exciting milestones:

• Merit: 20 Killas
• Ribbon: 50 Killas
• Bronze Medal: 100 Killas
• Silver Medal: 250 Killas

We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication that our Year 11 students have shown. Their commitment to our school culture and their efforts to positively contribute to our community have not gone unnoticed. Each Killa earned is a testament to their character and determination.

Congratulations to the following Year 11 students for their achievements:

Merit

• Harry Westbrook
• Deni Haikalis
• Josie Daykin
• Ollie Forrest

Ribbon

• Jade Wyer
• Hamzey Marouk
• Gaspard Lathan
• Xavier Walker

Bronze Medal

• Nathan Wilson
• Remy Phelan

Thank you for your continued support in encouraging your child’s efforts. Together, we can foster an environment where all students can succeed and feel valued.

Alan Jarrett
Year 11 Advisor

Year 12 News

Mentoring, Careers and HSC Timetable

It has been a privilege to support our Year 12 students this year. Watching them grow from their first days at Killarney into the capable, confident young adults they are today has been a true highlight.

Throughout the year, students have made the most of Senior Mentoring Sessions, Homework Club, and Careers workshops to build strong study habits and explore post-school options including university, TAFE, apprenticeships, and early entry programs.

We’re also excited for the upcoming Careers and Uni Expo in Randwick on May 29 at 8:00am, where students will have the chance to connect with a wide range of industry and education representatives.

The current Prefect Leaders will mentor and support the incoming 2026 leaders, ensuring a smooth handover that honours the spirit and legacy of student leadership at Killarney Heights High, and paves the way for continued success.

Our Yearbook Committee has been working hard behind the scenes to create a memorable keepsake for the Class of 2025. More details about the Yearbook, including how to contribute and order a copy, will be released soon.

Lastly, Year 12 Students can now begin planning for their HSC written exams in 2025. The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) has released the exam timetable, and students are encouraged to check the dates for their courses using the link below. The timetable can be filtered by subject, and any changes will be updated by NESA and communicated to the school.

Personalised timetables are also available via Students Online. To log in, students will need their Unique Student Number (USN) and the email address registered with NESA. We encourage all students and families to review this information together.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to support our students.

Ms Olivia Wiyana
Year 12 Advisor

Congratulations to the following students for their recent awards

Merit

• Finley Court

Ribbon

• Mia Nash

Bronze Medal

• Owen Bridger
• Dejan Cerovic
• Dimitrij Todoroski
• Anton Stepanov

Silver Medal

• Tess Field
• Adeline Perrott
• Finn Webster
• Emily Hoy

School Uniform

Welcome to our winter term! With the colder weather that caught many unprepared over the last few weeks we would like to remind our students to make sure they have all the items they need to be warm and well dressed in their winter uniform. 

Our uniform shop is under new management and is looking at making lots of improvements.  The uniform shop is open on a Tuesday and Thursday so you can easily buy a few new things. As well as this you can order online via the website and our students can pick up their order from the shop if that is easier.

Remember that our students can wear layers to keep warm - a singlet or long white sleeved t-shirt under their school shirt works well and they can wear tights or leggings under school pants if needed as well of course. Students can also wear the plain navy school jumper under one of the school jackets for extra warmth. If they are wearing a skirt they can add tights. 

Long navy school pants ( a track suit pant style) are available in the uniform shop and can be worn every day or students can wear long grey school pants if they prefer. Black leather shoes are the correct option,  and are essential for practical subjects.

PE uniform is only worn all day on a Wednesday and at other times for PE class - students are required to change in and out of their sport uniform and back into full uniform on those occasions.  

We would appreciate it if you could have a conversation at home with your young person about uniform and ensure that they have the correct options available. 

We love it when our students wear their uniform with pride.

Some important Details Below:

Uniform Shop Hours

Tuesdays: 7:30am – 9:00am and 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Thursdays: 7:30am – 9:00am and 2:30pm – 4:30pm

Access:

• During school hours: Enter via the Main Entrance.
• Outside school hours: Use the Melwood Avenue entrance.

How to Order Uniforms:

• Flexischools: Order online via the Flexischools website or App (same account as lunch orders). Students can collect items from the shop during opening hours.
• In person: Visit the shop on Tuesday or Thursday during the listed times.
• Order Form: A copy of the KHHS Uniform Order Form is available on the website. Completed forms can be dropped off at the uniform shop or emailed to: khhsuniforms@gmail.com.

A copy of the KHHS Uniform Policy can be found here: https://killarney-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/rules-and-policies/uniform-policy.html

Homework (MILO) Club

MILO Club is up and running for term 2

On every Monday and Thursday afternoon from 3:10pm to 5pm in the Library. 

Monday session - numeracy focus
Thursday session - literacy focus

Languages

Tahitian Sister School Exchange

Late last term we were thrilled to welcome 20 students from our Tahitian sister school, Collège La Mennais, for a 12 day visit. Seventeen of our students participated in a school tour to Tahiti in October last year, and this was the return visit where the students who hosted our students last year came to stay with their buddies at Killarney.  The friendships formed six months previously were kept alive through letter correspondence and social media and it was heart warming to see these friendships grow stronger during the Tahitians’ stay.  The Tahitians attended class with their buddies and went on several excursions to discover the Australian way of life and improve their English. At a special assembly in Week 10 the Tahitians explained aspects of Tahitian culture to our students and performed several dances and a song. Three KHHS students, Jasmine, Olivia and Isaac presented their perspectives on the exchange experience and their speeches are reproduced below:

Cultural difference between Australia and Tahiti - Jasmine

Australia and Tahiti have many cultural differences, from traditions to daily life. In Tahiti, Polynesian heritage is central, with dance, music, and storytelling deeply woven into the culture. In contrast, Australia’s culture is more diverse, influenced by Indigenous traditions and immigration worldwide.

One of the biggest differences I noticed was the daily routine. In Australia, getting to school is usually just a short drive or a bus ride through suburban streets. But in Tahiti, my journey to school felt completely different, driving along the coast with views of the bright blue ocean on one side and towering mountains covered in rainforest on the other. It was such a contrast to home, where long highways and busy roads are more common.

Nature also plays a big role in both places. Tahiti has a strong connection to the ocean, with activities like canoeing and fishing being a way of life, while Australia balances beach culture with the outback and bushland. 

Food reflects each place’s identity. Tahitian cuisine is rich in fresh seafood and tropical flavours, while Australia has a mix of global influences, from meat pies to Asian-inspired dishes. Despite these differences, both cultures value community, tradition, and a love for their land, making this exchange an incredible opportunity to learn from one another.

Aboriginal excursion and Tahiti excursions - Isaac

On Tuesday, we went on an excursion to Narrabeen and did an Aboriginal bush walk experience called Bush to Bowl. In this, we discovered more about various uses for plants that we would have otherwise dismissed as weeds. when passing by, we also tasted the native flavouring. In Tahiti, Year 12 students took us to popular places and explained the meaning and history of names and locations. We also went to the ‘Museum of Tahiti and The Islands’ and learned things like making flower crowns, weaving baskets, and using Tahitian instruments. Yesterday, the exchange students went to Sydney City to explore many landmarks like the Barracks, a tour of the Opera house, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, a ferry to see the Harbour Bridge, and then a trip to Sea Life Aquarium. 

Exchange Experience - Liv

From the student exchange in Tahiti last September, we were all able to learn so much about the difference in culture, language, and community from Australia to French Polynesia. 

The exchange experience allows an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new lifestyle with a change in food, school, and traditions. This has countless benefits, including academic growth, by expanding your horizons and gaining a new perspective. As well as personal development by meeting new people, gaining friendships and building confidence and independence for the future. You can see sights you never thought you would and have unexpected adventures. I learnt a lot while I was there and am happy to say I have improved my French greatly in day-to-day conversations as well as in class.

The most rewarding part of the exchange experience is being able to give all that to someone else by hosting or being a buddy for students from other places and welcoming them into your community. We are so grateful to be hosting Tahitian students and helping them obtain a new view of our Australian culture. 

The assembly was attended by reporters from the DET Media Unit and SBS French Radio. To read and listen to their articles please follow this link.

The Tahiti Exchange was an incredibly enriching experience for all students involved. We hope to run the Tahiti Tour again in 2026. Stay tuned for more details!

Careers Corner

Yaama, and welcome back to Careers Corner!

It’s only Week 2, but Careers is already off to a flying start for Term 2!

Year 10 students have begun receiving their Work Experience Information Packs via email, and it’s been fantastic to see the enthusiasm already building. Please take some time to sit down with your young person and support them as they explore the information, especially when working through their Career Profile. These profiles are designed to help students reflect on their interests, values and skills, which are all essential components when selecting senior subjects and considering future pathways. It's important that parents support the process without completing it for them; the learning is in the exploration! Students should aim to finalise and submit their Career Profile after the Subject Selection Presentations in Weeks 6 and 7. 

The Senior Mentor Program has launched for Year 11 and we’re excited to see how students engage with the careers component embedded in the structure this year. It’s a great opportunity for them to start thinking beyond school in a supported way.

Year 12 students are entering a critical stage of their final year. Registration for the Early Entry Workshop has just opened, with the workshop scheduled for Week 5. A Scholarships Workshop will follow in Week 9. As always, students should be checking the Year 12 Google Classroom regularly to stay across important opportunities and key dates.

Important Dates in May and June:

Is your student in Years 10, 11, or 12? 

Help them take the stress out of choosing a university or career path with Choosing Your Uni—a free, guided, and highly personalised platform designed to help students discover study areas and universities that truly align with their interests and goals. 

Created by local parents Marine Hautemont and Rob Malicki, this independent platform makes it easier for families to explore options, compare universities, and make confident decisions about the future.

Get started today at choosingyouruni.com.

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. Lunch 2 is reserved for Year 12 appointments. Year 10 appointments will occur during class time. 

Mrs Kiara Williams
Careers Adviser

https://www.killarneyheightshscareers.com/ 

Wellbeing

SPECIAL REPORT: Shaping Healthy Masculinity

In today's fast-moving world, many boys are struggling to find direction. Even well-meaning online searches about fitness, confidence or relationships can lead them to content that promotes rigid or unhealthy ideas about masculinity. The critically acclaimed TV show 'Adolescence' has brought fresh attention to this issue, highlighting how boys are often exposed to messages that glorify toughness and dominance, while dismissing empathy and emotional openness.

These outdated beliefs can limit emotional growth and impact how boys relate to others - with real consequences in schools, homes and communities. That's why it's more important than ever to guide boys with care, clarity and connection.

By offering healthier role models, safe spaces to talk, and encouraging respectful friendships - especially across genders - we can help boys develop the confidence, empathy and relationship skills they need to thrive.

This special report calls for a cultural shift and advocates for curiosity-driven dialogue that builds trust and critical thinking. The goal is to raise boys who are not just resistant to harmful influences, but actively capable of questioning and rejecting them. 

Here is the link to your Special Report 

https://killarney-h.schools.nsw.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-shaping-healthy-masculinity-au

Exciting News from the Playground! 🎉

We’re thrilled to announce our brand-new Gaga Ball pit — a fun and energetic addition to our playground that’s already a hit with students!

This incredible project came to life thanks to the hard work, creativity, and teamwork of our amazing students, along with the generous support of our local community. A special shout-out goes to Joe from Bunnings Chatswood, for donating the materials to help make this vision a reality. 🛠️🌟

The Gaga Ball pit is more than just a new play space — it’s part of our ongoing efforts to promote active play, inclusivity, and student well-being during recess and lunchtime. It’s heartwarming to see our students laughing, bonding, and staying active in such a positive environment.

Projects like this remind us of what we can accomplish when our community comes together. Thank you to everyone who contributed — whether through time, resources, or encouragement. Let’s keep building spaces that inspire, engage, and bring joy to our students every day! 💙🙌

Band News

At the end of last term, we hosted our heat of the North Shore High School Music Spectacular, run by Chatswood RSL. All of our ensembles performed incredibly well, with Concert Band, Jazz Orchestra, and HSC soloist Neesha Bhagwat going through to the finals, which will be held on Saturday 24th May at Killara High School.

Thank you to everyone involved in the Bunnings BBQ on March 29. Whether you baked some goodies, manned the BBQ, or busked—your time and effort go a long way in making our tours more affordable.

Our two jazz ensembles, Jazz Orchestra and Big Band, performed at Junior and Senior Assembly on Friday 2nd May to a very receptive student audience.

Symphonic Winds and Big Band are preparing to depart Sydney for their band tour to Adelaide from May 22 to 25. In addition to a packed itinerary, they’ll be collaborating with both the Adelaide Wind Orchestra and the Adelaide Youth Orchestras. We hope they have a fantastic time.

Student Achievements

Congratulations to our talented Band and Music students, Sean and Liam Byrne, who recently competed in the Australian National Band Championships with the Willoughby City Brass Band. Their ensemble achieved an impressive second place in the highly competitive A Grade division.

Congratulations to Year 12 student Nik Valkovic, who represented New South Wales in the National Basketball Championships held in Brisbane last month. Playing as a power forward for the NSW Metro Men’s Under 18 team, Nik was a key contributor to the team's outstanding performance.

The NSW team remained undefeated throughout the tournament, showcasing exceptional teamwork and skill. In a hard-fought final against Victoria, they narrowly missed out on the title, finishing as runners-up with a final score of 83–74.

Well done, Nik, on this fantastic achievement!

Community News