Newsletter Term 4 October 2024

Principals Report

Developing Our New School Excellence Plan for 2025-2029

As we look towards the future of our school community, we are excited to announce the development of our new School Excellence Plan for 2025-2029. This pivotal document will set the strategic direction for our school over the next four years, ensuring that we continue to foster an enriching, supportive, and high-quality learning environment for all students.

Building on the successes of our previous plan, we aim to maintain a focus on excellence in teaching and learning, as well as promoting the well-being of our students and staff. The planning process will involve comprehensive consultations with various stakeholders, including teachers, parents, students, and community members.  We have consulted with students through the student leadership team and have heard their voice through their involvement in Instructional Rounds this term.

The NSW Department of Education provides an excellent framework for developing our School Excellence Plan, which aligns with the broader goals of the School Excellence and Accountability strategy. We will refer to the planning pages available at NSW Department of Education to guide us through this process. These resources will help us identify key areas for improvement and establish measurable targets that align with our school’s vision and values.

Throughout the planning process, we will focus on enhancing the quality of teaching and learning, creating an inclusive school culture, and developing robust partnerships with families and the wider community. By continuing to emphasise collaboration and communication, we hope to build upon the foundations laid in our previous School Excellence Plan, ensuring that our students continue to achieve their very best.

Your input is invaluable, and we are committed to ensuring that the voices of our community are heard as we shape our future direction. To kick off this important initiative, we invite all members of our school community to join us at the upcoming P&C meeting on 11th November at 7:00-8:00 pm. This meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss our vision for the School Excellence Plan and gather your insights and suggestions. Your participation is crucial in shaping the direction of our school over the coming years, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas.

Together, we can ensure that our new School Excellence Plan not only reflects our aspirations but also sets a clear path towards achieving the best outcomes for every student. We are excited about the journey ahead and grateful for your continued support. Let’s work together to create a bright future for our school!

Hayley Emmerton
Principal

Dates to Remember

Tell Them From Me Parent Survey

It would be greatly appreciated if you would please complete this Tell Them From Me Survey parent survey by clicking on the link below:

http://nsw.tellthemfromme.com/2024khhs 

The Tell Them From Me Survey helps our school understand parents' and carer's perspectives on their child's experience at school and current focus areas. It is part of the Tell Them From Me suite of surveys on student engagement and wellbeing. It helps to clarify and strengthen the important relationship between parents and the school, communication between parents and staff, parents views on learning, wellbeing and positive behaviour. Your feedback helps to build an accurate and timely picture that the school can use for practical improvements.  

Thank you

CAPA

Visual Arts

Art Matters: Hawksbury Regional Gallery

In partnership with Hawksbury Regional Gallery, the NSW Arts Unit are offering a two day workshop on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 November for students in Year 9 and 10 with artist Freedom Wilson, working with stencils and silk screen printing. Students who are interested in furthering their visual arts practice should enrol on The Arts Unit website https://artsunit.nsw.edu.au/local-arts-programs/art-matters

Music

NSW PS Millennium Marching Band Open Rehearsal

The NSW Public Schools Millennium Marching Band is a dynamic music ensemble full of energy and drive with a focus on fun and entertainment. The band rehearses one weekend each month at Galston High School and is open to NSW public school students in Years 7 to 12.

• Open rehearsal on Saturday 7 December 2024 9 am – 3:30 pm at Galston High School. Register now by completing the open rehearsal permission form.
• For more info visit https://artsunit.nsw.edu.au/program/nsw-public-schools-millennium-marching-band
• Enquiries: Katrina Andrus 0409 929 908 or katrina.andrus@det.nsw.edu.au

Languages

Tahiti Tour

Over the school holidays, 17 enthusiastic Year 9 and 10 students accompanied by Madame Robins and Ms Emmerton embarked on an unforgettable overseas excursion to Tahiti.

This immersive language experience allowed our students to stay with host families, dive deep into the vibrant Tahitian culture, and practice their French in a real-world setting.

From exploring stunning landscapes to savouring local cuisine, this trip was a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and language learning.

We are so proud of our students for embracing this adventure and making lifelong memories.

PDHPE

Wednesday Sport Pickleball

Pickle ball is being offered for the first time for Wednesday Sport. Pickle ball is one the fastest growing sport in the world in 2024

Wellbeing

SPECIAL REPORT: The Cost of Living Crisis

In our ever-changing economic landscape, parents and caregivers are increasingly faced with the task of broaching the subject of growing expenses with their children. While the instinct may be to shield young people from life’s challenges, there's a growing belief that addressing real-world issues, including financial uncertainties, can actually foster resilience and understanding. Striking a balance between protection and education is crucial for those looking to empower their children.

To effectively introduce the topic of finances, we need to be mindful of the timing and setting of the conversation. Using straightforward, age-appropriate language helps maintain transparency, and openly discussing adjustments to the family budget can carry significant weight. By encouraging children to participate in finding creative ways to save and make thoughtful spending choices, parents can nurture a sense of responsibility.

This Special Report offers a valuable opportunity to enhance children's financial literacy, equipping them with the resilience needed to thrive in an increasingly complex world.

Here is the link to your Special Report 
https://killarney-h.schools.nsw.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-cost-living-crisis-au

Careers

Yaama Killarney Community! 

My name is Mrs Kiara Williams and I have the privilege of being appointed as the Careers Adviser at Killarney Heights High School. I have been at Killarney since 2013 working as a CAFS and PDHPE teacher, as well as a Year Adviser and Sport Coordinator.

My true passion is helping students to grow into mature and kind humans who feel empowered to make confident decisions about their future pathways post school. I have been part of the Forestville/Killarney Heights community for many years, settling here myself with my young family. I am looking forward to continue building connections in the wider community and mentoring the incredible students at Killarney Heights.

For the remainder of 2024, the days that I am in the Careers Office (top of E Block) are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. I am available every recess and lunch on my office days for students to ask a quick question or to make a booking for a longer appointment. I also welcome parents and carers to join their young person for a meeting if they are wanting more information.

Kiara Williams
Careers Adviser

SRC and Leadership Team

One Meal Christmas Hamper

The SRC and Leadership Team together with the Thrive Group are working towards involving the whole school in a project where we can do for others. So, who is One Meal?

One Meal – It Makes a Difference is a not-for-profit, community organisation that helps to feed, clothe and support the homeless, disenfranchised, vulnerable and at-risk members of our local communities. 

One Meal was founded December in 2014 when a group of friends came together to give back to the community with a one-off street service at Green Park in Sydney, providing “One Meal” to people in need at Christmas. A month later they were back again, and One Meal – It Makes a Difference was born.

One Meal now provides hundreds of meals to the people in need every week. Regular weekly community meals serve up delicious hot dinners for over 500 patrons across Sydney including Blacktown, Canterbury-Bankstown (Kingsgrove and Riverwood), Sydney City (Darlinghurst and Surry Hills), Northern Beaches (Manly and Narraweena), and Sutherland Shire (Cronulla, Miranda and Sutherland).

Each of these services originally started, and now continues each week, entirely thanks to local volunteers and supporters (sponsors, donors, partners, etc) who are dedicated to providing food, cooking meals and/or delivering services to help people in need within their local community. 

As a school, we wish to support this community! We wish to fill up these Christmas Hampers using your donations, to support our community and give back to others during the holiday season.

So, how can you help support this food drive?
Bring in non-perishable items- please see attached list of acceptable items/food. 

Where do I drop these off? 
The Well-Being Hub

How long have I got to bring in items? 
End of Week 7.

Run Club

Last week, our dedicated Run Club took on the Panorama Punish in Bathurst as part of The Run Beyond Project.  We're incredibly proud of their determination and team spirit.

The Run Beyond Project empowers young people through running, teaching them goal-setting, resilience, and teamwork while supporting community initiatives.

To see the great work they do and to contribute to the brilliant cause please see the attached link:https://www.gofundme.com/f/khhs-2024-run-beyond-project?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet-first-launch&attribution_id=sl:1065b80f-0421-4ddc-a62a-598b041b27d8

Donate to KHHS 2024 Run Beyond Project, organized by Heather Hozack For the 3rd year running, KHHS is raising money for The Run Beyond Project. Watch the vide… Heather Hozack needs your support for KHHS 2024 Run Beyond Project

Eddie Payne
Student Support Officer

Band News

At the end of term 3, Killarney Heights Chamber Strings took to the stage at Forestville RSL for their annual Strings Showcase Concert. The small but enthusiastic audience were treated to some wonderful string playing, highlights included the energetic Prelude from the Holberg Suite, the  soaring melodies from the Pirates of the Caribbean, and  beautiful solo Bach on the violin by Ethan Kwan. We are looking forward to joining forces with Symphonic Winds for our end of year concert on Monday 9th December.

Also around the same time, our Big Band and Guitar Ensemble took part in events as part of the Manly Jazz Festival. Guitar Ensemble wow’d the crowds at Warringah Mall at the Dolphin Fountain leading up to the festival, and Big Band played to an incredibly receptive audience at “The Stars Of The Future Stage” on Manly Corso. Congratulations to all groups.

Coming up, Concert Band are playing at the French Market Day at Killarney Heights Public School on Sunday November 17th, and Big Band will be playing at Lazybones Lounge in Marrickville on Tuesday 26th November, before the Tuesday Night Jazz Orchestra take the stage. All of our ensembles will then perform at our end of year event at Forestville RSL on Monday evening, December 9th. We look forward to seeing you there!

Student Achievements

Patrick Reynolds took part in his first Volleyball State Championships last week and his team won, this is due to a lot of hard work and dedication and was a great way to finish off his exam weeks.  Well done Paddy!

Killarney Heights HS Class of '75 Reunion

Killarney Heights 50th Anniversary Class of '75 Reunion – Save the Date!

We’re thrilled to announce that there will be a 50th Anniversary Reunion for the Class of 1975 organised by some ex-Killarney Students! 

Event Details:

• When: Saturday, 29th March 2025
• Where: Balgowlah Golf Club
• Time: 6:30 PM
• Cost: To be confirmed (details will follow soon)

There has been a Facebook group set up for the reunion, the Killarney Heights High School Class of '75 Reunion page, which currently has over 100 members. If you haven’t already joined, please do! It’s a great way to stay updated and reconnect with old friends.

What You Can Do Now:

• Join the Facebook Group: If you're not already a member, please request to join the page. It’s the hub for all things reunion-related, and we’ll be posting updates as we finalize the event details.
• Spread the Word: If you’re still in touch with any classmates from this year, please pass on the details of the reunion to make sure no one is left out!
• Look out for the Invitation: A formal invitation will be sent out via email and Facebook once all the details are confirmed.

If someone hasn't been in contact with you yet, feel free to reach out to Sue or Julie via phone or email. They would love to hear from you and make sure you’re on the list!

Sue van Loon     0417495152   sue.broadfield@tafensw.edu.au                            

 Julie Salmons   0414541611   julie.lendrum@det.nsw.edu.au    

Community News

Enjoy a piece of France! The annual FANS French Market is back on Sunday 17 November 2024, from 9 AM to 4 PM at Killarney Heights Public School.

This annual celebration is the largest French market in NSW, attracting over 10,000 visitors from across greater Sydney and beyond. With over 70 stalls, come to KHPS for a day of French food, fashion, books, homewares, live music, fairground rides, games, and Christmas shopping. Can you already taste the fresh cheese, pastries, crêpes, waffles and bread?  

Are you available to lend a hand? Bring your friends and family along and join the team of amazing volunteers!

All KHHS students and families are welcome to check out our volunteer roster and add your name.

More than 300 community volunteers are behind this annual fundraising event for the French-speaking Association of the North Shore, the not-for-profit association that runs the unique French bilingual program at Killarney Heights Public School. For 25 years, FANS has offered a unique bilingual education that engages a dynamic multicultural community on Sydney’s North Shore.

For more information, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/fansfrenchmarket

https://www.instagram.com/fansfrenchmarket/