Newsletter Term 1 Week 9 2021

Principals Report

Homework or Assessments?

It is great to be in a community where there is so much support for our school. This support is important as it reinforces what teachers are doing with students and then having it followed up at home is vital for success. We encourage parents to talk to your children about what they have been doing in class and what is to be done at home.

We have found that parents often ask their children what homework they have.  Quite often the child will say – “I don’t have any”.  This is not quite true.

This is where it is confusing for students and parents.  Students do have stuff they have to work on at home – but they call these tasks assessments.  So it is not that they have no homework, it is just lost in translation.

Homework = Assessment 

If you look at the assessment book, which is found on the school website, in the back pages is an assessment calendar; you will see that most students have about 40 tasks that they work on throughout the year.  These assessments are done partially in class and then partially at home, so this is the “homework”.

A challenge for the younger years the skill of time management needed to break up the tasks, plan time for each section and work on these smaller segments over a period of time. Even older students need to be taught these skills as it is hard for young people to learn time management.

At the half yearly point and end of the year, there may be a longer formal exam. For students and their parents this exam time can be a stressful period, but the best way to combat stress is to be prepared.  This does not mean that you cram in the week before the exam.  It does not mean staying up all night so that you are so tired that you cannot do your best on the day. This is the best way to increase stress and anxiety. 

So how can we all help?  It is a tricky road to navigate, as you have to encourage on one hand and not push too hard.  If parents push, then you often get the opposite effect, your child will dig their heels in and do even less.

I believe that organisation and planning is the key.  Students need to have study timetables so that each week summaries are made and notes are revised.  This is on top of day to day homework/assessments. Often the temptation is to only complete assignment and homework, then leave no time for revising.

As a parent, you can ensure that you provide a quiet area for students to study. If this is not possible at home, the local library or our school homework centre is available on Monday and Thursday afternoons. Also having routines like regular meal times and keeping your home calm.  Though sometimes with teenagers this can be an impossibility!

Next term students will wear the winter uniform.  The windproof shell jackets are available at the uniform shop. The uniform shop will be open on Tuesdays from 7.30am-1:30pm and again on Thursdays 11.30-3.30. If you are purchasing shoes over the holiday, please ensure students have ALL BLACK shoes, if your child studies science or any other practical subject, these have to be all leather for safety reasons.

I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday break.  After the incredible amount of rain we have had this term I am hoping that sunshine will prevail for the holidays, so make the most of it while you can. 

Hayley Emmerton

Principal

School Administration

Phone messages from Staff
When a staff member rings you, the number that appears on your phone is one of several that are used in our rotary switchboard.  It isn’t that staff member’s telephone number.  Therefore, it would be appreciated if you could please listen to the message that is left so that you can ask for that staff member when you reply.

Change of Address/Phone Numbers/Email Address
It’s important to notify the school in writing of any changes in your contact details as soon as you can.

Change of Circumstances
Could you please advise the school if your child’s circumstances have changed to living in 2 residences.

Explanation of Student Absences
The Department of Education allows 7 days for parents to explain a student absence.  After that time it will be an unexplained absence that will appear on your child’s school report.

Absentee Phone Line
The mobile number that you receive absentee notifications from is rotated by Sentral daily.  Therefore, if you reply to that number the day after, the message won’t be received by the school.  You can provide an explanation by ringing or emailing the school.

Pass Outs
If a student needs to leave during school hours please send a note in with your child in the morning stating their name, year, what time they need to leave and a brief explanation of where they are going, eg. Doctors Appt.  They hand it in to the office before school starts.  We can then give them a pass out and they are allowed to leave school at the stated time.  If an emergency happens and they need to leave school please email the school with the same details.  Pass Outs are only given for valid reasons.

TAFE
If a student is going to TAFE they need to sign out at the office before leaving or it will be marked as an absence.

Senior Students Study Periods
Senior students have to sign out and back in at the office if they are leaving school during a study period.  Please ensure they bring their school ID card as it will be needed to be able to sign out and in.

Sickness
If a student feels sick when in class please ask them to tell the teacher who will send them to sick bay.  If a student feels sick at recess or lunch, please ask them to come down to the office where they will be put into sick bay.  We will then contact their parent or guardian.
In either situation, please can they come to the office so we can contact parents.  Please ask them not to call parents directly and ask them come into the school to get you out of class.
If a student is sick and has any cold like symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, coughing we require a negative COVID test before they are allowed back to school.

Lost Property
We have a lot of lost property in a large box near the office in A Block.  If your child has misplaced anything please ask them to come and check the box.  Parents are also welcome to come and look in the box.  If anything has a name in it we do hand it back to the student.  Anything unclaimed by Thursday 1st April will be handed to the Uniform Shop to be sold as second-hand uniforms.

Year 12

Well, here we are half way through Year 12. It is going far too quickly. This term in Wellbeing we have focused on the students individual strengths and how they can use these to assist their decision making about future Pathways. We have met with parents both on Zoom and face to face for the first time since our group started their Preliminary and HSC Journey. It was great to see so many familiar faces at Parent Teacher night last week.

Year 12 students are really engaging and wanting to seek advice about their possible future career paths. Every Monday and Friday our Career Advisers have organised a University to be at school at lunch time, this is advertised in Google Classroom and Daily Notices every week. Our students need to regularly check their education emails as this is where all the information about the HSC and NESA requirements will be posted. On the 1st April the Universities Admission Centre will be sending our students an email on their @education school email. This email will provide the students with a UAC Pin. Students can then use their NESA number (which is in their Google Classroom if they have lost it) and their UAC Pin to start their applications. Following UAC online through social media is highly recommended for both parents and students to fully understand this process. Also, in UAC under key dates there are webinars you can register for to assist you with the course choices and the application process. Students can book an appointment with the Career Adviser, to assist them with their University or Tafe  entries.

During the April Holidays it is a good opportunity for students to make sure they are organised for leaving school. Students require a TAX File number to enrol in Tertiary Education, therefore these holidays provide the perfect timing to organise a TAX file number.  Study, making summaries and practicing past papers are also a great idea, of course we want our students to also have a good rest and come back to start Term 2 refreshed. Our students can access past HSC papers and answers on the NESA Website. https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/resources/hsc-exam-papers

Some dates for your Diary are the Year 12 Graduation on the morning of Thursday 16^th September and the Formal on the Evening of the same day, 16^th September. The formal will be held at Taronga Zoo. Looking forward to guiding our students through their final High School Semester.

Warm Regards,

Helen Urquhart
Year 12 Adviser

Wellbeing

My Strengths

This term we have continued our MyStrengths programs with year groups. The My strengths team use ‘positive psychology’ to assist students in finding their top strengths.

The My Strengths team took on Martin Seligman’s belief that building on our strengths is often a more effective path to success (and healing) than trying to force excellence in areas we are simply not suited for.

Our Year 12 students completed a My Strengths assessment, they then had the opportunity to discuss their top 5 strengths with a My Strengths team member to look at how these strengths may help them in the Future, especially when planning their future Career path.

Our students were engaged throughout the process and we have received positive feedback from both students and parents. The strengths are clearly explained on cards and will be helpful to students when creating resumes and applying for University.  Below are a few photos from the Yr 12 My strengths My Future program.

Also this term, our year 7s participated in the MyResilience Workshops, and year 10 and 11 in My Future seminars. Students were encouraged to discover and use their strengths as the cope with challenges whether it be the transition to high school, or thinking through future pathways and coping with the senior years of study. For relevant articles around career pathways see https://hub.mystrengths.com.au/career-pathways/

Year 7 top character strengths: year 7 top character strength can be seen in this graph below:

SPECIAL REPORT: A Conversation on Consent

A recent petition, instigated by a former school girl from Sydney, calls for young women to come forward if they have been subjected to sexual assault whilst still at school. It has since gone viral with thousands of young women signing the petition or sharing their stories which are often graphic, disturbing and upsetting.

The petition calls for sex education, in particular consent, to be taught at a younger age in schools. The observation being that consent is being taught too late, with many young people not understanding the boundaries of consent resulting in sexual assault or rape. This call for change has made many schools reassess their curriculum around sex and life education to help protect young people across the nation.

Parents also need to start having conversations around consent sooner rather than later, as some teens experience their first sexual encounter well before the subject matter is delivered. It is not enough for parents or carers to assume that your teenager knows or understands what consent means and the implications surrounding it. It is important for them to learn about boundaries to enable them to respect themselves and their partners.

This Special Report offers parents guidance around normalising the topic of consent to ensure your teenager experiences healthy and respectful relationships. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report 

https://killarney-h.schools.nsw.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-conversation-consent

CAPA - DRAMA

A Night With Shakespeare

For the first time Killarney Heights High School brings you a night like no other – a celebration and tribute to William Shakespeare; featuring performances including dance, physical theatre, duologues, monologues, ensemble work and comedy. The students of Killarney Heights High School from Years 7-11 will showcase their interpretations of some of Shakespeare’s most renowned works including King Lear, Merchant of Venice, Macbeth, A Comedy of Errors, Twelfth Night and many more. The execution of these dramatic acts has been a combined effort from CAPA​'s Drama Teachers Ms Grugan, Mr Hawkins, Miss Freede and Mrs Pascoe. A selection of students featured on this evening will represent the school in the By Jove Shakespeare Carnival where they will compete against other schools to represent the state in a National Contest. 
In addition, we are delighted to present Killarney Heights High School’s talented Stage Band and Chamber Orchestra ensembles, as well as serving delicacies created by our Year 12 Hospitality students, as part of our program.
Seating will be limited, therefore go to http://www.ticketebo.com.au/khshakespeare ​so as not to miss out.
We are delighted to extend the invitation to parents, friends and families to join us in celebrating this very special evening.

 Intermediate Theatresports Intraschool Tournament

The first Intraschool Intermediate Theatresports competition featuring students from Years 9-10 of Killarney Heights in underway! Julien Le Bescont, Kaya Koksel, Joseph Sheridan, David Eyre, Charlotte Wilson, Margot Rouleau, Elise Haines, Ryan Morey, Sam Hosemans & Hunter Jackson have been training since Term 1 and are ready to put their improvisational skills to the test. Theatresports distills the act of improvisation essentially welcoming the spontaneous creativity of 'thinking on your feet' as mastered by many a Hollywood Actor and renowned Stand-up Comedians. Students learn to be open to new ideas as well as to collaborate and co-construct narratives using their spatial, physical and vocal skills. The students are now performing a series of undetermined drama games, in heats against one another, in front of a panel of judges, being Mr Hawkins, Miss Vela, Ms Adlard, Mrs Pascoe and the discerning Student Judges: Alex Socratous, Dinendran Reddy, Holly Gillmore, Luisa Gualda De Farias and Bethany Champion. The team with the highest overall point score from the heats will represent the school in Improv Australia's Interschool Competition in Week 2 of Term 2 against a range of schools including Pymble Ladies College, Knox Grammar, Normanhurst Boys High and Loreto Normanhurst. Their names will also be inscribed on the Killarney Heights Theatresports Shield and displayed proudly in A7. We wish all our teams the best of luck and thank our judges for guiding them through the process. 

Year 10 Drama Plays

As part of the Year 10 Drama curriculum, classes create their own Theatre Production Company and produce a play production completely on their own. They will take on all the  required roles for production including Light & Sound, Directing, Stage Managing, Set Design, Costume and Poster/Promotional materials design. The students audition and apply for the positions they are most interested in and then required to manage and sustain the responsibilities of rehearsing, pitching creative concepts and progress updates, learning their lines and working effectively with everyone in the class. The experience truly gives students the real-life insight into running a theatre company and encourages the development of their skills of collaboration, creativity, vision and persistence. We have seen the students' dedication on display this term as classes have devoted additional rehearsal times during lunch hours and after school to refine their plays. The students pride in their work and their dedication to improving their actor's craft is an inspiration to us Drama Teachers. In Week 3 of Term 2 the students will perform the plays in full to Year 9, 10 and 11 elective Drama classes during Period 5 on Monday, 3rd and Tuesday, 4th of May. We look forward to sharing their hard work with the wider Dramatic community of the school,

Mrs Pascoe & Ms Grugan

CAPA - ART

It has been a busy term in Visual Arts. Students are now deep into their artmaking projects and the energy in the art rooms is awesome!

Here is a little run down on what has been going on in Visual arts:

Year 7 have been learning about Margaret Preston. Inspired by her woodblocks prints, year 7 have drawn Australian Native plants and are now creating their own lino prints in the style of Preston.

Year 8 are loving Pop Art! Influenced by Andy Warhol’s use of repetition and pop culture items, students have created mixed media artworks using acrylic paint, oil pastel, colour pencil, and collage.

Year 9 are exploring their relationship with technology. Focusing on visual story telling students have created artworks communicating how their feeling towards modern technology and the impact technology has on their life.

Year 10 have been busy constructing life size skeletons out cardboard as part of their studies on the figure in art.

Year 11 have started of the year looking at the Australian Landscape. Their first artmaking activity challenged them to look at textures in nature using charcoal and soft pastels.

Year 12 are in full swing with making their Body of Work. It is always so exciting seeing where their creativity takes them and the huge range of talent we have at KHHS.

Sophie Burton

Swimming Carnival

First Carnival post Covid

The 22^nd of February was the day that Killarney Heights High travelled up the road to Warringah Aquatic Centre. Mr Aguilera once again did the honours of being the announcer /commentator to increase engagement. Mr Fuller had a new role of pumping out tunes to set the mood and motivate the athletes and the Tik Tokers. The Kito twins were causing Mr Desnik issues as multiple records were broken which meant an increase in administration. Some usual suspects broke records and were standouts such as Seiya Saito, Laetitia Everingham, Elizabeth Solomon, Imogen Lodding, Nova Kutlutan , Andre Rios and Oliver Dowbiggin .

The interval was exciting with Year 12 competing in the inaugural Paired Diving Competition. Experienced judges were Ms Rose, Ms Urquhart and Mr Prior who had a difficult task in distinguishing the talented well trained athletes. The competition was close but congratulations to eventual artistic winners Eliza Lamb and Tessa Mentis. The carnival continued after the break with the Conaire establishing its authority in the pool. Congratulations to all competitors and below are the overall results of another successful Killarney Heights High School day.

Overall House Points
1^st Conaire- 1210
2^nd Tara- 703
3^rd Kerry- 699
4^th Ross- 518

Age Champions

2021 New Records

Sydney Kito 13 Years Boys
200m IM 2.40.14 old record 2.40.29 (2018)
200m Free 2.22.05 old record 2.39.41 (2015)
100m Breast 1.28.88 old record 1.44.14 (2020)
100m Back 1.16.56 old record 130.13 (2018)
100m Fly 1.17.31 old record NA

Skye Kito 13 Years Girls
100m Back 1.23.99 old record 1.26.47 (2020)
100m Fly 1.16.47 old record 1.28.84 (2020)
100m Breast 1.30.32 old record 1.37.48 (2020)

Imogen Lodding 14 Years Girls
100m Back 1.21.52 Old Record 1.22.82 (2018)

Seiya Saito 17 Years Boys
100 Fly 1.06.32 old record 1.52.12 (2020)

Laetitia Everingham 17 Years Girls
200m IM 2.38.67 old record 2.41.72 (2018)
200m Free 2.21.27 old record 2.26 (2018)
100m Fly 1.13.34 old record 1.55 (2020)

French Film Festival and Restaurant Excursion

Have you ever eaten snails? Swimming in butter and garlic, I was surprised to find out that this French delicacy is delicious, along with many of my classmates. On Friday 12th of March, our school’s year 9, 10, 11 and 12 French classes went on a day out in the city. 

Premièrement on est allé au Chauvel Cinéma à Paddington. Le film qu'on a regardé s'appelle Fourmi, et parle d’un jeune garçon qui dit qu’il a été recruté pour Arsenal, mais seulement parce qu’il espérait que ça sortirait son père de sa dépression. Tout le monde a bien aimé le film, moi-même je me suis retrouvée émue à la fin.

Après, nous sommes allés au Petit Escargot, un restaurant français à Pyrmont. Je peux vous assurer que tout le monde a très bien mangé, même ceux qui avaient mangé trop de cornets, tellement c'était bon. 

I found it a refreshing change to be able to have civilised conversations with my peers away from the noisy playground, and eating food that simply cannot compare to a squished sandwich.  In addition to the aforementioned snails, the three course meal consisted of classic French dishes such as soupe à l’oignon, coq au vin and crème caramel. I think it is safe to say that for me the mousse au chocolat was an absolute highlight and I can report that on the bus home we were all in a food coma. 

Zoe Hellot, Year 10

Terrific Ten Students

The Terrific Ten award is part of our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) and Wellbeing strategies. The Terrific Ten stands for having Ten Terrific school days.  This is based on our frequent awards that we give to our students called a ‘Killa’ (Short for Killarney). These are the frequent rewards given to students for upholding our school values of Connect, Respect and Aspire. Every fortnight our Sentral data is analysed to establish the student in each year group who has achieved the most Killa’s. Our Terrific Ten students are then further rewarded with a Terrific Ten Dollar Credit at the school Canteen. Each fortnight the Terrific Ten students for each Year Group are published in the Daily Notices. Students can then access their Terrific Ten Dollar Credit from the Canteen by showing their KHHS School ID to the Canteen Staff.

A huge congratulation to the following awesome students who are our Terrific Ten Recipients for Term 1.

Weeks 3 and 4
Year 12 Sophie Ziegler
Year 11 Ishan Mairata
Year 10 Zac Blades
Year 9   Ryo Hashimoto
Year 8  Shaun Park
Year 7 Arki Harrison

Weeks 5 and 6
Year 12 Ashley Blake
Year 11 Luisa Gualda De Farias
Year 10 Tara Laytham
Year 9 Ashton Kiehne
Year 8 Tess Field
Year 7 Sophie Nourbakhsh Alizadeh

Weeks 7 and 8
Year 12 Beth Ambrose
Year 11 Benjamin Souchaud
Year 10 Emily Offner
Year 9 Margot Rouleau
Year 8 Alex Carr
Year 7 ​Richard Kupec

The Running Group

In celebration of International Women's Day earlier this month, A group of KHHS female students have taken on the challenge to train for a 10km/21km race. Over 14 weeks, these students have been training twice a week at 7.30am, learnt about resilience, goal setting and accepting challenges, challenged each other when times get tough and slowly building up their strength and stamina to complete the goal race. 

They are also raising money for The Run Beyond Project

The Run Beyond Project supports students experiencing difficulty, and has helped hundreds of school students across Australia to develop goals and resilience and teach them this through running. 

So far, our girls have:
- Run  at least 4km of the 10/21km goal
- Raised $2000 of the $10,000 goal
- Turned up in in the early morning in the rain or heat. 

If you would like to support our girls, click on the link or give them a 'beep' and a cheer if you see them running past.

https://gofund.me/bcc0f77d

Ms Hozack

Band News

This year our Band Camp was held at Elanora Uniting Venues from Sunday 14th – Tuesday 16^th March. The Camp experience provided students involved in all of our six ensembles the opportunity to do intensive rehearsals in a fun learning environment. Through camp the students not only improve their performance skills, they also had the opportunity to form long lasting friendships with other musicians across the school.

During the three days, students  learned new repertoire, did sectional rehearsals with professional musicians, sat in on a concert by professional musicians,  students were rostered off music activities and onto a variety of other activities- archery, team building  organised and run by Wesley Experiences with on-site activity officers. Of an evening students were involved in team building games and were visited by four ex- Killarney Heights High School Band Program students, who spoke about their futures and how their involvement in the Band Program has impacted their lives and directions on leaving school- inspiring and motivational discussions with Q & A. At the end of the three days all students performed a recording concert which we will make available on the school website for parents to download. ​

The Symphonic Winds and Big Band worked with guest conductor, Paul Vickers, on Sunday, and soaked up all of the musical wisdom he had to give (which he has in spades!). The following day the Symphonic Winds had the incredible opportunity to work with the Royal Australian Navy Band, before they presented a pitch perfect performance for the whole camp. The Stage Band presented a ‘Stax’ classic, Green Onions, at the end of the camp, featuring improvised solos and an infectious groove.

The KHHS band and strings camp was a great success with students working diligently to achieve some outstanding progress and musical outcomes during the 3 days at Elanora Heights. 

It was inspiring for current ensemble members to see the wonderful performance and Q+A session with ex-KHHS students who have gone on to pursue careers in different aspects of the music industry. Another highlight was the Royal Australian Navy band bringing 3 outstanding professional ensembles (parade concert band, jazz band and rock band) to camp after a workshop with the KHHS symphonic winds. A truly special experience. 

The camp culminated in a wonderful performance from all ensembles including a combined item with over 70 students coming together to play to Queen classic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. 

P&C News

It has been really great to be able to meet in person again.  Thanks to every one who has attended our last 2 meetings at school.  It was lovely to see so many new and returning parents. 

Our next meeting is Monday, May 10th ,  2021 (Term 2, Week 4).  As indicated, as well as discussing general business, each meeting this year will be focused around a “theme”.  The Theme of our next meeting is UNIFORMS.  So if this is something you are interested in or have questions or comments about please consider joining us. 

We are still looking for a volunteer to organise our Grounds Working Bees – if this is something you’d be keen to be involved in please contact us. 

If you need to contact the P&C for any reason, please do so via our email address killarneyheightspandc@gmail.com 

Regards,Rob, Erica, Grant, Henry and Kathryn
The P&C Executive Committee

Schoolzine App - SZapp

Schoolzine is our platform for distributing Newsletters.

SZapp is the App associated with Schoolzine, you can access newsletters, the school website and other information via this App.  The App is free to download, see instructions below.

click on the link below to access installation instructions for SZapp

Community Notices

To Register follow the below link to fill out an online registration form:

https://bit.ly/2NGteqM