Dear Killara Families,

Farewell Year 12

This morning the entire school farewelled our Year 12 students during their graduation assembly, and we all wished our amazing Class of 2022 the very best as they commence a new chapter in their lives. Speeches, class parties, laughter, friendships, nostalgia, emotions and lots of love dominated the past few days for our Year 12 students. Year 12 students will be missed, and they carry with them our entire school’s best wishes.

Healthy approach towards the HSC examinations

As Year 12 approach their final HSC examinations, it’s important to emphasise the importance of health. Year 12 students should maintain a balanced and healthy approach towards their studies and seek support when required. Our school nurse and the broader school staff will be available to assist Year 12 throughout their examinations.

The HSC timetable can be accessed at this link https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/key-dates-exam-timetables/hsc-written-exam-timetable

Group HSC study sessions during the school vacation

Our school library will be open for two days during the vacation to support Year 12 students with their preparation for examinations. During these sessions, I will run short workshops on essay writing and HSC examination techniques. The library will be open for group study sessions only at this time. Year 12 students must email Mr Chand the names of the students attending the group study session and the date they wish to attend, at least a day before the session. Furthermore, Year 12 students will be able to utilise the school’s HSC resources at this time.

The library will be open on the following two days during the vacation.

Friday 30 September from 9am - 4pm

Tuesday 4 October from 9am – 4pm

Students must enter through Gate 2 and register their attendance with Mr Chand in the library.

Mobile Phone Policy Update

From 2023, Killara High School will implement a new whole-school mobile phone policy where students will not be able to access their mobile phones while at school, unless it is allowed by teachers to support learning. Phones will remain in the possession of each student. Phones will be placed in YONDR pouches whilst inside the school gates, throughout the entire school day. Provisions will be made to support students with health and wellbeing requirements. Students will be able to access their phones at the end of the school day.

This decision has been made after analysing data sourced from staff, families, students and broader research. The aim of this policy is to reduce distractions, improve deep thinking, improve learning in the classroom and encourage children to engage with each other and their surroundings. In Term 4, 2022, our school will develop the policy and education programs around this new approach towards mobile phones, with the aim of implementation at the start of 2023.

More information relating to this process will be shared in Term 4.

Kind regards,

Robin Chand

Principal

Student Support Team