Dear Killara Families,

Exciting learning experiences are taking place across the school. Students have seamlessly returned to a routine of learning, and new friendships are forming across the school, especially amongst our new Year 7 students.

I thank our Killara families for their support in ensuring all students are prepared for the 2022 school year.

We are all determined to make 2022 a rewarding year. Our school is a special place. We recognise the role that we as educators play in assisting students in maintaining a sense of regularity within an ever-dynamic landscape. At school we are maintaining routines, utilising explicit teaching structures, and maintaining our focus on high-academic expectations.

A very special welcome to our Year 7, 2022 cohort and their families. I am sure that you will find your high school journey fulfilling and rewarding here at Killara. Our Year 7 students had an enjoyable time engaging in a two-day orientation program which featured a sausage sizzle, peer support and school tours.

School focus - Learn, to change the world. Teach, to unleash potential.

We want all students to experience success, and to strive towards their personal best. High academic expectations and explicit teaching will form the foundation for our school’s pedagogy. Our teachers are establishing and communicating success criteria and learning intentions in every lesson.

Explicit teaching is taking place across the school. As noted by the NSW DoE in their publication What Works Best, “explicit teaching practices involve teachers clearly explaining to students why they are learning something, how it connects to what they already know, what they are expected to do, how to do it and what it looks like when they have succeeded. Students are given opportunities and time to check their understanding, ask questions and receive clear, effective feedback”. This is the learning style at Killara High School. Furthermore, we hold high academic expectations for all our students. This involves supporting students in striving for their personal best, every day, in every lesson. I encourage parents to communicate with our teachers about their children’s progress.

Building work

The roof maintenance project is progressing. We appreciate the maturity shown by our students as they navigate sections of the school that are fenced-off and under construction. A and C blocks are completed, whilst B, D and E Block is continuing, and the Kerrabee Centre is yet to be started.

Our D and E block toilet refurbishment is continuing and nearing its completion.

These building projects, combined with classroom refurbishments completed last year through the assistance of our P&C, make significant improvements to the learning environment.

Stage 6 Extended Library Hours

Our school library will open for Year 11 and 12 students from 3:30pm-5:30pm for Stage 6 group study sessions on Mondays and Tuesdays, Term 1.   We encourage Stage 6 students to come along with a group of friends from similar or different courses, and engage in study during these extended opening hours.   Registrations for students attending will open fortnightly on Compass. Students need to register their attendance using the prompt on their Compass dashboard.

COVID-smart protocols

We thank our school community for their efforts in contributing towards the safe operation of our school, by adhering to our COVID-smart protocols. The second round of rapid antigen test distribution to students is currently taking place.

Traffic on Koola Avenue

We appreciate the challenges facing families as they conduct morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up on Koola Avenue. We have reached out to Transport NSW for assistance. Where possible, please organise an alternative safe pick-up and drop-off location away from Koola Avenue that is appropriate for your child.

Swimming carnival

Our swimming carnival took place on February 8 at Lane Cove Aquatic Centre. The carnival involved competitors only and it was an enjoyable experience for all staff and students in attendance. It was wonderful seeing our students collectively work towards their personal best. The highlight of the carnival was the positive energy and display of sportsmanship from all students.

2021 HSC results - congratulations to Year 12 class of 2021 and their teachers.

We are very proud of our Year 12 class of 2021 for their outstanding effort in working towards and achieving their personal best.

Each student deserves praise and recognition for navigating a dynamic learning landscape over the past two years. Our students worked with a sense of determination and grit to overcome all hurdles during Year 11 and Year 12. I thank our Year 12 families for their partnership during this wonderful educational journey.

The North Shore Times produced an article capturing the experiences of students, and our Gaby was featured. Here is a link to this online article – the article commences on page 12.

Thank you to our staff who supported our students through Year 11 2020 and Year 12 2021. I particularly wish to thank our Year 12 Teachers, Year 12 Year Advisers, Year 12 Deputy Principal, Stage 6 Head Teacher, Head Teacher Wellbeing and the Year 12 Wellbeing Team. I thank our 2021 School Captains, Senior Prefects and Year 12 student leaders for their outstanding leadership.

The courage, resilience and determination shown by our Year 12 students both collectively and individually, has inspired the school community. Our students worked enthusiastically and supported each other through friendships and a strong sense of positive energy.

We recognise and celebrate the achievement of all Year 12 students, as each student has their unique story through their HSC journey. Here is a brief snapshot of the outstanding achievement by Year 12, 2021.

Direct entry to university

We had many students receive early direct entry offers to universities. Some students received multiple offers. We do not directly receive information about the specific number of early entry university offers, and we rely on information from students and universities. Not all universities responded to our requests for this information. The total number of NSW offers that we were advised was a total of 99. This is a significant amount, and we congratulate all students who were offered direct entry to universities, as this is a highly sought-after opportunity.

5 All-Round Achievers

All-Round Achievers lists the students who achieved a result in the highest band possible (Band 6 or Band E4) in 10 or more units of courses in their current pattern of study.

Caitlin (ATAR 95.8)

Jaime (ATAR 99.40)

Alfie (ATAR 99.00)

Saya (ATAR 97.95)

Julia (ATAR 99.55)

HSC Top Achievers

Top Achievers includes those students who have achieved one of the top places and a result in the highest band possible in one or more HSC courses.

4th place Engineering Studies - Alfie

1st place Modern Hebrew Continuers - Guy

2nd place Modern Hebrew Continuers - Idan

5th place Modern Hebrew Continuers - Daniel

17th place Mathematics Advanced - Yuzheng

133 Distinguished Achievers

Distinguished Achievers includes all students who received a result in the highest band possible for one or more courses. Killara High School had 133 distinguished achievers.

Courses above stage average

22 HSC courses achieved above state average.

Congratulations to all our Year 12 2021 students. We look forward to hearing about how you move forward and make a positive impact on our world.

Robin Chand

Principal

Chess

Chess Club is back