From the Principal

Congratulations to all of you for staying the course with online learning. We are in the final stretch now, with three weeks until the end of Term 3, and an indication of our return provided this morning.

I’ve been “in” a couple of classrooms lately, and have seen some wonderful work in other avenues as well. I would very much like to be a Food Technology student, for example, after seeing some of the cakes produced at home by Stage 5 students. While obviously not the same as the “on campus” experience, it has been great to see that a global pandemic doesn’t stop Killara students from learning and growing. Please keep up these efforts. This time will pass but habits take a while to change, once formed, and maintaining a regular routine of work, study and leisure in the correct balance is important. 

Year 11 are about to commence their online assessments. If COVID-19 has brought any benefits, one is probably the way we are all using technology to solve problems. I thank the staff who have modified examinations and tasks, and students for approaching these assessments seriously and studiously. 

Year 12 have completed their Trial examinations, and I thank you for doing these under unusual circumstances. Today we learned that the HSC written examinations will now commence on Tuesday 9 November, and a new timetable will be issued next month. Results will be available mid-January. Year 12, this stretches out the HSC for you, but look at the positives. You will have a solid period of time to consolidate what you have learned, and to continue to prepare in an informed way with the feedback that you will get from your Trial exams. 

I’d like to thank the team that are responsible for the Wellbeing Days. Duncan Smith, David Browne, Georgina Andrews, Esther Bouchier, Ashleagh Paton, Anna Wall, Lucy Dahill, Samira Chami and Kim McPartlin have created a range of activities designed to get us out of our screen routine. It’s great to see so many students get involved, and please don’t forget to complete the survey at the end of today to inform our planning for our next Wellbeing Day.

No doubt you are aware that the Premier’s announcement today confirms what we have all suspected, that learning from home will continue into Term 4. At present, the plan allows Year 11 to return on Monday 1 November, and Years 7 – 10 on Monday 8 November. We will be providing more information about this as these dates draw near. The school will operate on Level 3 when the student body returns. As always, regular updates will be provided via Compass.

I hope you have a pleasant weekend, and stay safe.

Jane Dennett

Principal