From the Principal

Welcome Back to Term 4

Term 4 has commenced with excitement and fun, with students and teachers energised and enthusiastic to continue their learning journey. 

I have the privilege of visiting many classrooms, and I would like to take you on a virtual walk around the school, to share my experiences during a typical day at KHS. Walking from A to K block would have you encounter a myriad of powerful learning experiences. As you walk around A block, you hear the narrations, performances and analysis of poems and other literature, alongside exciting discussions about the craft of writing. As you approach B block, you hear the flurry of activity that defines any commercial kitchen in full operation, with our young chefs creating culinary masterpieces. As you move towards the basketball courts, the hall or Koola Oval, you experience PDHPE teachers delivering detailed instructions, alongside enthusiastic student responses, together with the intensity of movements associated with sports lessons and PDHPE activities. Inside the Science labs of A, D, E and K blocks, it is common to hear the responses associated with the collective exhilaration from Science students when experiments are being undertaken or completed. In D and G blocks, you experience Language students reciting their vocabulary in either French, German, Chinese or Japanese. Moving upstairs to K block, you experience the powerful discussions and activities associated with students engaging in historical debates, economic analysis, or a range of other activities associated with Human Society and its Environment. Within the art studios in G block, you experience the creative journeys of students completing their visual arts work under the guidance of their expert teachers. Nearby, the sounds of musical instruments playing familiar tunes from G block echo across the corridors. As you near our Technology workshops, the sound of machinery and class discussions dominate as students craft their magnificent works. That would describe a simple walk around the school across a few periods. There is a great deal happening across the school every period, and our students and teachers continue to take their learning experiences to a higher level through their combined efforts. I look forward with enthusiasm to see the learning that takes place over the coming weeks of Term 4, 2020.  

International Teacher’s Day – send an email to celebrate our Killara teachers. 

Our teachers work diligently and collectively to ensure that every student is known, valued and cared for at our school. This year, our teachers have adapted and embraced change, and made it work effectively for our students and families. October 30 is World Teachers Day, so let’s celebrate our fantastic Killara teachers. 2020 has been a year like no other with teachers having to adjust their teaching practices in response to the outbreak of COVID-19. I have a request for our wonderful Killara High School community to help recognise the work of our teachers. Send a message of thanks to a teacher by emailing our school killara-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au . You may want to share stories of teachers supporting students to thrive during the pandemic, or at any other time. Small messages have a big impact. 

HSC Examinations

HSC examinations have commenced and they are taking place across the school in various locations. COVID safe measures are in place to support all students and staff throughout this experience. Year 12 students are reminded that they should not attend any examination if they are feeling unwell. Students who are unwell should get tested and provide the school with a negative result before returning. Year 12 carry with them the best wishes from the rest of the school. 

Canteen refurbishment

Our canteen is currently closed and students should bring food from home. The canteen refurbishment is being funded by parent donations to the P&C. The school is very appreciative of this support. The canteen provides an integral service to our students, and a modernised canteen will help sustain this service for current and future students. 

School improvement plan survey

Every NSW public school is in the process of developing their 2021-2024 school plan. I encourage all members of our school community to complete the survey located on our website. Alternatively, you can click here: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSej8pjPtyF1hNAoU_uUO7--k-bdyEyM7f2pG6MGrk3kkOhDFA/viewform

New school jumper

Our new uniform is receiving positive reviews and we look forward to consolidating all feedback before finalising our decision. This new jumper is intended to be worn under the school jacket or individually. More information about our school jumper will be shared soon. Here is a video created by Mrs Bouchier and our Prefects outlining some of the key features of this new jumper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vodsP_S8rv0&feature=youtu.be

Robin Chand

Principal (Relieving)