Term 3 - week 6

I am inspired by our students and teachers each time I visit any classroom and observe the meaningful learning experiences taking place. I have seen many activities here at Killara High School where students are directly linking their learning to real-world issues. Establishing authentic links between the education here at school with the personal world of students, is a key element of high-quality pedagogy and curriculum, and our teachers do this every day.

As I write on Thursday, here is a snapshot of the learning experiences taking place here at Killara High School.

Ms Della Villa was conducting exciting experiments on Thursday morning and showcasing to students the real-world applications of scientific theory in a fun and practical way. Here are some photos showcasing the excitement in Lab A02.

Educating for our future is an important concept that underpins much of what we do, and it’s seen every day across our classrooms from A to K Block, and online. Mr Francis and Mr Arnison are two expert educators who have been supporting students in their journey towards completing HSC major works, and they have been able to foster a strong ethos of real-world links and applications throughout the learning experiences undertaken in the G Block workshops. Mr Arnison and Mr Francis have worked closely with students to guide and nurture their interests, and it has resulted in the creation of high-quality teaching and learning experiences. Our G Block workshops are buzzing with student excitement and the noise of machinery as students develop artefacts of their learning that will last long after their time here at KHS. I want to recognise Mr Arnison and Mr Francis for their dedication towards supporting all students.

Mr Harper and Mrs Mackenzie have been enjoying teaching their Year 11 Hospitality classes about the skills required for work in the hospitality industry. The professionalism, care and commitment shown by the Year 11 students and their teachers is certainly impressive. A focus on higher order thinking skills, hygiene, creativity and critical thinking take centre stage during these powerful learning experiences. These students are certainly being educated to take on the world outside of the school gates, and are being provided skills that establish strong foundations for future success. Thank you, Mr Harper and Mrs Mackenzie, for the wonderful care and enthusiasm that you show your Year 11 Hospitality class. Well done Year 11 Hospitality students.

Mrs Kim is an outstanding Music Teacher and she has been able to support her students to achieve their personal best throughout the HSC journey and earlier. These Year 12 Music students are preparing for their final HSC performances and Mrs Kim has supported them along the journey that has been 2020, with the multitude of adjustments needed to accommodate for COVID-19 requirements. I know the students have enjoyed their time learning how to express their creativity and personal interests through the power of music. Mrs Kim and Mrs Berry, your service to our students is much appreciated and I know your positive impact will shape the outlook of our young people for many years to come. Best wishes Year 12 Music students on your final performances.

Mrs Clough and her Year 12 Community and Family Studies students have achieved wonderful outcomes this year and earlier, and I know that Mrs Clough brings a high level of fun, intellectual capacity and rigour to this important course. Students have learnt about society, its complexities and the evolving nature of humanity, and I thank Mrs Clough for her outstanding leadership in developing and strengthening the creative and critical thinking skills in her Community and Family Studies class.

Year 12

I want to recognise Year 12 students and their outstanding maturity and resilience that was on show during their HSC Trial Examination period. The year group worked as a team, supported each other and celebrated the end of examinations here at KHS with a celebratory pizza lunch. Our students thoroughly enjoyed the surprise pizza lunch and we are very thankful to our school’s P&C for funding this nice surprise for our Year 12 students.

Year 12 students are now in their final few weeks of school. There is a sense of calm and relaxation as students unwind after the trial examination period and return to the routine of their regular timetable.

Year 12 Drama HSC Students

Our Year 12 Drama students had their final performances with NESA examiners on Wednesday. Mrs Zoe Smith was very proud of her students. These drawings are costume designs submitted for student individual major works, and the group photo is of the individual project performance candidates on their HSC practical exam day.

Demountable Classrooms

In Week 7, work will commence on removing several demountable classrooms from our school site. This will be work undertaken by contracted specialists. During this work, certain parts of the school will be out of bounds for students and staff.

Uniform Raffle

Throughout this term and late last term, we started an initiative of a uniform raffle. Students in full school uniform are given raffle tickets, and these are drawn and announced on Friday mornings. I want to thank our local supporters for providing prizes and vouchers for our students: Chargrill Charlies at St Ives, Praus Yogurt in Gordon, St Ives Shopping Village and The Tempted Tamper at East Killara Shops. These raffle prizes add extra excitement on Friday mornings when they are drawn.

I thank all families for their support of the school. I look forward to sharing more stories about the meaningful and enjoyable learning experiences taking place at Killara High School.

Robin Chand

Principal (Relieving)

PAE

PAE Rehearsals 2020

Tutors for Students