Newsletter Term 1 Week 3

Principals Report

Another successful year despite COVID

It’s been a great start to the year with the majority of students wearing our uniform proudly, showing that they have respect for the school. Take care that your child is wearing all black shoes, the school cap and for the girls the sports shorts with the logo on them.  Don’t forget to purchase a jacket ready for the cooler days that are coming.  If you put your child’s name on the uniform, we will endeavour to return it to the owner. I hate to see the piles of jackets in the lost property box that are unclaimed.

Killarney Heights High School is the best comprehensive, co-educational school in the NSW Department of Education.

I sent an email out last year when we received our HSC results, but you may have missed it. They were amazing!!!!!  Killarney Heights High School is the best comprehensive, co-educational school in the Department of Education. (If you take out selective and single sex schools, we are number 1). That is pretty impressive, but it only comes about through hard work from students, support from parents and the dedication from our highly skilled teachers.

Even after a terrible year interrupted by Covid, students in Year 12 in 2020 had a fantastic year in terms of results.  In Advanced English, our school was 1st in the state out of all schools – private and public.  This means that even though we are not selective, we were ahead of all other selective schools including James Ruse, North Sydney Boys and Girls and Manly Selective. Credit needs to be given to Head Teacher English Katie Rose and Carol Vela who taught these classes.

The Sydney Morning Herald ran a story in December with a photo of Kiara Simoes who came 2^nd in the State in Standard English, and her teacher Wendy Lisle.

The great results, however, were not confined to English, there were very impressive results in every faculty, with many subjects that scored highly. The table below shows all the subjects which received greater than 50% bands 5 and 6.  A band 5 is a mark above 80 and a band 6 is a mark above 90%.

Four students were All Rounders, with a band 6 in all their subjects : Teagan Arthur, Anrong Brett, Mei Fekuda and Brandon Lee. 119 students on Distinguished achievers list, gaining a band 6 in a subject.  Students with an ATAR over 90 will be celebrated in the High Achiever’s assembly this week.

Even though we are doing well, we believe that there are always ways to improve, writing is one area where we can do this.  This year in every year group, each subject will have at least one assessment task with a major writing component. Teachers will be explicitly teaching students how to write so that they can succeed in their assessments. With greater writing in each subject, we hope that students’ spelling, reading and punctuation should improve as well. It is well documented that students with greater literacy will be more successful in their future careers.

Parents can assist their children by ensuring that there is a quiet place for them to do their homework and assessments, and encouraging them to read each day.

We welcome new staff and roles this year:

Counsellor – Catherine Walker

School Social Worker – Candice Linton-Smith

Science - Olivia Wiyana

English – Hannah Baker, Ainsley Chapman, and Jessica Zhang

Maths – Meena Sharda ( joining us in week 5)

CAPA and Languages - Jillian Freede (Drama) and Stephanie Rosier (Japanese)

PE - Lizzie Tavita

HSIE –Noella Charbonneau, Maddison Jones and Joanne Killick

It is great to see everyone positive and focused on learning – let’s keep the momentum going to have another successful year.

Hayley Emmerton

Principal

High Achievers Assembly

This week we acknowledged and celebrated the outstanding results of our top academic achievers from the Year 12 class of 2020.  Dr Wendy Hu, Associate Dean, Learning & Innovation School of Medicine, Western Sydney University Chair who graduated from KHHS in 1980, was our guest speaker.

Lauren Adamietz, Teagan Arthur, Luca Blades, Sidney Breth Petersen, Shannon Chan, Alana Colling, Maella Drabbe, Mei Fukuda, Courtney Gray, Joshua Jung, Sam Kelly, Brandon Lee, Rina Okuda, Hannah  Potts, Innes Riottot, Julie Selmoni, Connor Spinks, David Szasz, Sarah Theseira, Orion  Wheatland, Jack Ye, David Zhou

High Achievers absent on the day were Anrong Brett, John Cao, Sven Willett and Anthony Yang

Year 7 Camp

At the beginning of week 2, year 7 and 12 year 10 peer support leaders ​embarked on a 3 day adventure camp. As the students had only attended one day of school so far there were many new faces and names to learn. Year 7 demonstrated amazing courage and began to interact with people they did not know, including sharing cabins and camp groups. They completed many team building exercises including Mud World (a commando style mud obstacle course), high ropes, abseiling, archery, giant swing, canoeing, leap of faith and fun night games. As a result, the friendships formed on camp have continued to strengthen in the classroom and playground. 

Dana Hutchison
Year 7 Advisor

Year 7 Camp

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Writing an Academic Success Story

Throughout the year ahead, the teachers Killarney Heights High School will be placing a strong focus on improving students' skills in writing. There is an extensive body of research emphasizing the strong link between students’ writing skills and their level of academic and vocational attainment. Put simply, being able to write is important for future success. In 2019, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) characterised writing as a:

… foundational skill required for communication, future learning and full participation in economic, political and social life as well as in many aspects of daily life.

Here at Killarney, we believe that supporting our students to further improve their skills in this area will allow us to continue our culture of academic excellence and ensure each student reaches their potential. Increasing the amount of class time dedicated to writing has been proven to assist students in clarifying and solidifying their subject knowledge, even in subjects where little writing traditionally takes place.

This year students can expect to spend more class time learning how to plan, draft, craft and refine their writing in each of their subjects. More of their assessment work will require substantial written responses and they will receive more writing-specific feedback from all their teachers. Teachers will also undertake extensive professional learning in order to ensure they are equipped to explicitly teach the writing skills required to achieve success in their specific subjects.

8S and 8Q have also been selected as our first two classes to participate in a project designed to support them in developing their writing skills. This project will involve students working with their teachers to set and review individual writing goals at regular points throughout the year. Class and assessment work will be used to monitor their progress and should this program be as successful as we are expecting, we will roll it out to all of year 8 in 2022.

While writing is daunting for many students, it is a skill like any other – acquired through quality instruction, consistent practise and the careful application of feedback. If you would like to support your child’s progress in this area, the following conversation prompts are a good place to begin the conversation at home:

1. What did you write about today?
2. Talk me through how you planned this piece of writing.
3. What did you find most difficult about this piece of writing?
4. What part of this piece of writing are you most happy with? Why?
5. Which piece of writing are you most proud of? Why?
6. How did the feedback make this piece of writing better?
7. What did you learn about writing that will help you do better next time?

Katie Rose
Relieving Deputy

Dance Ensemble

We are lucky to have a Dance, Drama and Music Teacher join CAPA this year. The talented Ms Freede is teaching Drama and Music Junior classes at Killarney this year and has also reignited the student enthusiasm for dance by starting a Dance Ensemble.
Rehearsal takes place Tuesday lunch (Years 7-8) and Wednesday morning (Year 9s). Ms Freede is working with the students to develop dances for By Jove Shakespeare Festival and Sydney North Public School Dance Festival. Thanks to our fabulous students: Penelope Mengell, Keira Hutt, Liv Ayre, Zabel Panikian, Evie Rosewarne, Jessie Woodley, Leena Grigorian, Indi Dessaix, Ava Socratous, Lily Maher, Milly Fairweather, Thalia Russell, Ela Sadlon, Aurore Giral, Gidget Robin, Niamh Palmer and Ariane Hart. We look forward to sharing the performances with you soon.

Katrine Pascoe
Acting Head Teacher, Creative & Performing Arts

The Library Lowdown

New year, new books!

We have a very well resourced school library and we encourage students to be passionate about literature and find the time to read for pleasure.  We happily take student requests and recommendations for new titles to add to our collection. 

In addition to our large physical collection here at school, our students have access to an extensive digital collection.  They can login into our digital library using their school username and password at:

Find time to read.

Ms. Kate Thompson
Teacher Librarian

BYOD at Killarney 2021

All students in years 7-11 are expected to have a working laptop with them every day.  Many classroom activities rely on students having their own device and students who do not will be at a disadvantage.

If students are experiencing issues using personal device or Department issued software, they may see Mr Lau in the library. He is our Technical Support Officer and is available from 8am every day.

We understand that sometimes these devices need to be repaired, and will be unavailable for a period of time. For this reason, we have a limited supply of short-term loan devices available. We require parents to contact the school if this service is required, as it is policy that a conditional agreement is entered into prior to the loan being approved.

Accessing Adobe software

Students no longer need to use On The Hub to access Adobe software.
There is a link called Adobe Software Download in the DET portal that directs students to the Adobe log on page.
Students are required to log in using their DET email address to create an account.
Detailed instructions are in the BYOD student handbook on page 11

Link below:

Building a Good Routine

At the beginning of the year an email was sent to families with a suggestion to help build a good routine for homework and preparing for school. We are now into our third full week of school and I am hopeful that students have been able to give this a go. If the habit was not sustained, I suggest trying again. And if not attempted at all, then there is no harm is starting now.

You may have heard the saying that “it takes 21 days to develop a habit”. This can be true for encouraging students to get into a homework routine even if they do not have any yet. The strategy is called the “Three 5’s”

5pm, 5 mins a day, 5 days a week.   It doesn't have to be 5pm, but aim for the same time each day. 

• Unpack bag 
• Check all schoolwork is complete (laptop and book) 
• Make sure workbook has margins, dates and headings underlined 
• Laptop work: file is labelled and stored in the correct folder 
• Google Calendar – check for upcoming assignments 
• Pack for bag and charge laptop for the next day 

 Parents can follow up at 5.30 each evening by asking questions such as: 

• Have you checked and completed todays work? 
• Have you packed your bag for tomorrow? 
• Tell me about something that you learnt today. 

 Once the homework starts, after 3 weeks of following this routine, it should be easier to do with less fuss.

Dennielle Woskanian
Deputy Principal

NSW School Vaccination Program

Wellbeing

Student Opal Cards and Bus Safety

School Opal Cards should be issued to students next week.​ Please be aware that students who do not have a school opal card after they are issued are not to use the buses in the afternoon from Melwood Avenue: 208, 235, 286, 233, 237, 670 or 671.

If students who have not been issued a Card require a bus, they may use their own Opal Card and catch the Shuttle from Starkey Street. 

Once passes are issued, staff will be asking students to show their passes before entering the bus and are required to decline student access to the bus if they do not have their card with them.

To improve student safety, we have asked the bus companies to increase the buses provided, however it seems that students are not tapping on and off each time they use the bus pass, and so the bus companies are receiving inaccurate data about student use.

Please encourage your children to TAP ON and OFF each time, so that we can request more services. The actions of the students will directly relate to the action of the bus company.​

2021 NSW Ambulance School and Group Cover Scheme

Arrangements for the NSW Ambulance School and Group Cover Scheme are now in place for the 2021 school year.

Any student enrolled at a NSW public school, who has an accident or falls ill whilst at school or on an organised school excursion or activity, and requires the ambulance service, will have the cost of an amulance met through the scheme.

The terms and conditions of the scheme are outlined in the NSW Ambulance School and Group Cover Scheme policy guidelines.

For the 2021 school year, coverage of the scheme to include cross-border excursions to the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria remains in place.

There are no reciprocal arrangements in place for NSW students travelling on school excursions to either Queensland or South Australia. In these instances, it will be necessary for schools to arrange separate individual student travel insurance.

NSW public school students travelling under the Assisted School Travel Program are included in the scheme when they are travelling to and from school provided the journey is not broken for any reason. NSW school students enrolled in Saturday School for Community Languages are now included in the scheme.

Chinese New Year Celebrations

Year 7 2022 Tours and Video

This year we will be placing an online video on the website and running group tours of the school in place of an Open Day.  Please keep checking the website for the video and how to book on the tours.

Year 7 2022 Extension Class Test

Applications are now open for the Year 7 2022 Extension Class Test. 

Please see the Flyer for information regarding the Extension Class and Test.

The test will be held on Tuesday 23rd March 4pm - 6pm.

Closing date for applications is Tuesday 9th March 2021

Careers News

Welcome to 2021

Please check the KHHS Careers website for more detailed careers newsletters and careers information.

TRANSITION TO WORK

The Transition to Work employment service helps young people aged 15-24 into work (including apprenticeships and training) or education.

Transition to Work participants receive intensive, pre-employment support to develop practical skills to get a job, connect with education or training, find local job opportunities and connect with relevant local community services.

To participate in Transition to Work you must be:

• Between 15-24 years old
• Either:
• an Australian citizen, or
• a holder of a permanent visa, New Zealand Special Category Visa, or Nominated Visa (including Temporary Protection Visa or Safe Haven Visa).

Find out more about the Transition to Work service and find a provider here: 

NAVY CAREERS VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION

22 February 2021, 8:30pm - 9:30pm
Online
For a career with adventure, travel and a lifestyle like no other, consider joining the Navy.

Consider a dynamic and fulfilling career like no other and work alongside like-minded, expertly trained personnel as a member of the Royal Australian Navy.

Speak with serving members about career opportunities at our upcoming virtual info session.

Find out more: https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/events/events-detail/9sggzjz

ACU | MAKING A DIFFERENCE WITH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

18 March 2021, 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Online

What sets our students apart is that they make a difference through the world around them through community engagement opportunities offered at ACU. This a fabulous opportunity to join the webinar to find out what community engagement is, the opportunities available and how it can improve employability.

Find out more: https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/2021/march/making-a-difference-with-community-engagement

NIE | SIMULATED UCAT DAY WORKSHOP ONLINE

27 February 2021, 10:00 am - 5:30 pm                                    Online

If you are in Year 10, 11, 12, or perhaps you may be older and considering sitting the UCAT in the future, then this program is for you. The Simulated UCAT Workshop program is ideal and often a necessary step towards effective and efficient preparation for the UCAT.

The workshop is designed to cover fundamental techniques in navigating all five sections of the UCAT. Students will spend the day with our specialist teachers and will be able to ask questions and address any concerns they may have about the test.

There is also a follow-up online session, run within a week of the full-day program. It will provide insightful and extremely valuable information about the application process into medicine and guidance for future planning strategies.

Find out more: https://www.nie.edu.au/products-listing/product/216-simulated-ucat-day-workshop

Work Experience is mandatory for all year 10 students as an integral part of the Careers Program and it is scheduled for Week 4, Term 4. However there are many other opportunities for students throughout the year. Please see Ms McDermott if you are interested in any of the following work experience programs.

GoIT Girls Work Experience Program is back in 2021. This year all programs will be virtual starting March until the end of the academic year. 

A one of a kind, no-cost, virtual work experience program for female students in years 10 and 11. This program provides an opportunity to inspire over 100 girls to peruse a career in technology as well as empower a new generation of innovators and science technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) professionals.  

The program 
At Tata Consultancy Services’ (TCS) GoIT Girls program participants meet senior executives from the IT industry who provide insight into various roles that exist across the business spectrum. They work on a challenge that will require them to learn about the different aspects of working in a technology organisation. The program provides insight into challenges and issues within the technology industry and addresses the gender occupational stereotypes. 

TCS’ GoIT Girls work experience program aims to:   

• Inspire students to consider a future career in IT
• Enhance confidence and employability skills
• Provide insight into varied roles within an IT company and the business world  
• Empower students to design and develop IT projects  
• Challenge gender stereotypes by showcasing women in STEM as role models
• Complement the school curriculum

The program has four focus areas: 

I.  Technical IT skills 
II. Employability skills 
III. Female role models in technology 
IV.  Experiences within the technology industry 

Eligibility  TCS’ GoIT Girls is aimed at female students in Year 10 and 11 curious about a career in technology. Technical knowledge or experience is not required to participate.  Please see Ms McDermott for more information.

DEFENCE WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM

Defence is happy to announce that they are starting to open up Work Experience placements in 2021.
If you want to learn about work and life in the Defence Force and gain some valuable skills, the Defence Work Experience Program could be perfect for you.
Keep an eye on placements as they’re announced on the Defence Work Experience website.

THE ACADEMY OF INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT (AIE) runs a Work Experience Program for students in years 10 to 12 throughout the year. Students can undertake work experience at their campuses in Sydney,

The AIE Work Experience Program is a great way for students in to learn about the interactive entertainment and digital industries. The week will open the door to the range of career possibilities in the industry and allow students to get hands-on with the tools of the trade.

The Work Experience Program encompasses a range of activities including 3D animation, programming, QA testing and much more. Please contact Ms McDermott for more information.

Please contact me via email, Julie.McDermott@det.nsw.edu.au  if you would like to book an appointment to discuss your child’s future options.

Ms McDermott
Careers Adviser
TVET Co-ordinator
SBAT coordinator

Community News

Sydney Drug Education & Counselling Centre (SDECC) will be delivering another “Parents Prepared”, an online drug education workshop for parents of high school-aged children on: Wednesday 24th February 2021 from 4.30 to 6.00pm. This workshop will provide parents with information about drugs, their effects and tips for talking to young people about drug use.

Click on the following link to register for the webinar: