Dear Killara Families

University partnerships – professional experience induction program shaping our next generation of teachers

At Killara High School we recognise that teachers have the biggest impact on students’ learning, and therefore, our teachers are committed towards strengthening the teaching profession. Our teachers regularly work alongside various universities to support teacher education students. Currently at Killara High School we have 13 Education students from various institutions including Macquarie University, Sydney University and University of Technology Sydney. Ensuring early career teachers are well suited and thoroughly prepared for the classroom is something we strive to support. We ran a professional experience orientation program on Tuesday 18 May to provide our university students with a deep insight into the wonderful profession of secondary teaching. The event involved four Year 12 students, Ella, Horatio, Luke and Ying. These Year 12 students engaged in discussions surrounding the importance of high expectations in education and their experiences of learning from home. Our students added a significant level of insight to this program and we are proud of them. Mr Browne, Mrs Campbell and I would like to thank all university students involved in this program. We wish them all the very best as they approach the end of their studies and pursue a rewarding career in education. I thank Mrs Campbell for her organisation of this important event.

Dr Tran – recognising excellence in teaching

I would like to recognise an outstanding teacher, Dr Tran. Dr Tran’s efforts inside and outside the classroom are reflective of the high-expectations held by all staff at Killara High School for their students. There is always a buzz of excitement in Dr Tran’s classes and her commitment towards unleashing the potential in students is highly regarded and respected. Dr Tran is a Science teacher who brings enthusiasm and fun to her lessons through a range of teaching and learning experiences. Dr Tran is a passionate educator and mentor who teaches Chemistry and Physics, and she has also taught the new HSC Science Extension course. I had the honour of briefly visiting Dr Tran’s Year 8 Science class this week and her students were engaged, having fun and exploring the wonders of Science. Many parents have also visited Dr Tran’s classes as she regularly opens her classroom to welcome prospective students and their families. Thank you Dr Tran, for taking our students on wonderful learning journeys every day.

Performing Arts Ensembles - Concert

Our students have been rehearsing for their Performing Arts Ensemble concert. The concert is scheduled for Wednesday 19 May in the Kerrabee Hall. The event is supported by our Creative and Performing Arts faculty. Our students have demonstrated dedication and resilience in their preparation towards this concert.

Year 9 Engineering Studies

Year 9 Engineering students along with Mr Arnison and Mr Wallace tested their water towers this week. Students were able to apply their theoretical knowledge to a real-world situation. It was very impressive to see the work produced by our students. Well done Year 9 Engineering.

Wearing the Killara High School uniform with pride

I want to acknowledge that the vast majority of our students wear full school uniform on a daily basis. I am appealing to all families to support our school’s high expectations by encouraging students to wear school uniform. Currently, we are expecting students to be wearing our winter school uniform. Our students, families and staff have high expectations around all aspects of school operations, and wearing school uniform contributes to this core value.

Just like the sense of belonging that is developed and consolidated through athletes wearing revered uniforms on sporting teams, and the unity expressed through uniforms in places of employment, we want to consolidate the ethos of belonging to our school. High expectations matter at all stages of education, and across all aspects of our school.

To reinforce our uniform expectations, we will be recommencing a process from last year. From Monday 24 May 2021, students identified as being out of uniform will be issued with a half-lunch playground withdrawal with the Principal. This will be recorded on Compass. Students on playground withdrawal are required to report to Mr Chand in Room A04 at the commencement of lunch on the same day, except Thursdays, where students will attend on the following day.

Please discuss this with your child/ward, and I hope that we can work together to maintain our high standard of uniform.

We will continue to develop strategies to positively encourage students to wear full school uniform throughout the year.

The NSW Department of Education supports the wearing of school uniform, which promotes a sense of belonging for students and creates a positive identity for the school community. School uniforms also contribute to the personal safety of students by allowing easier recognition of students inside the school and in the community. Schools expect students to wear the uniform during school hours, while travelling to and from school, and when engaged in school activities out of school hours.

I would be very appreciative if you could support me in this endeavour. Like many aspects of education and schooling, this will require collaboration and team work and we are here to support all students and families at this time with school uniform.

Information about our school uniform can be accessed here: https://killara-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/uniform/

Our School Uniform Shop is open Tuesday and Friday mornings from 8.00am to 10.30am.

Our soon to be available navy jumpers are in production, however with shipping time they will not be available until late this term or early next.

How to order uniform

If you need to purchase an item of school uniform, here are the steps to take:

Uniform items can be ordered online at: Qkr! which is accessed via an app on your mobile phone. Instructions on how to download and use the app can be found on the Killara High School website (https://killara-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/) under the Uniform Shop tab (found under Parent Services).
The Uniform Shop is open on Tuesday and Friday mornings between 8.00am and 10.30am for students to collect online orders or they can purchase over the counter.
Fitting of garments will be limited along with the number of students in the shop at any one time due to limited space.
Students are to collect online orders from the shop door in E Block. Please allow 24 hours from the time of placing the order for the order to be ready. If an item needs to be changed or refunded, please leave the item at the uniform shop during the above hours.
Alternatively students can purchase uniforms with card or cash directly.

Robin Chand

Principal (Relieving)

Community

Knox Careers Night Tuesday 25 May