HSIE

Term 3 has been an unprecedented and interesting journey for all of us in the HSIE and Language Faculties at HKHS. While trying to find some historical parallels to our current situation, I came across the image created by May Gibbs in 1919. Australia had been gripped by the Spanish Influenza Epidemic and Gibbs had used the popularity of her iconic characters “Snugglepot and Cuddlepie” to reinforce the message of mask wearing. George Eliot’s adage that “History, we know, is apt to repeat itself, and to foist very old incidents upon us with only a slight change of costume” does ring true.

The HSIE and Language Faculties would like to thank students and parents for the way they have adapted to online learning in Term 3. Teachers have been impressed with the perseverance demonstrated by students and the quality of work being produced. We would like to thank parents for their support under difficult circumstances, providing the clarification, encouragement and advice over the last nine weeks. 

Huge thanks to my amazing faculty for their dedication and expertise during this time – Mr Ardley, Ms Fitzgerald, Mrs Kostalas, Mrs Le Page, Miss McLennan, Mrs Mitchell, Mr Newton, Mrs Travica, Mr Wawrzyk and Mrs Wright. The development of online learning resources, the review and marking of students’ work, the scheduling and completion of Team Meeting lessons have transformed our work day and changed our teaching roles this term. 

I would like to congratulate our Year 12 students on the successful completion of their courses this term. You have done this under the most trying of conditions and many of you have achieved your personal best in HSIE subjects this year. In the lead up to HSC exams, it is vital that you remain engaged in the revision process and complete past exam questions that you can submit to your class teachers. The development of topic summaries is also crucial at this time.

Thanks to students who engaged in our Historical Memes Competition as part of Take It Easy Tuesday. The winner was Lily Arendse in Year 8. A $20 voucher will be on the way. 

Congratulations to the following Year 7 and 8 HSIE students on receiving credits and distinctions in the Australian History Competition in 2021. This is a national competition that challenges students from Years 7 to 12. To receive these results in Stage 4 is a wonderful achievement. 

Year 7 - Ayane Komatsu, Elise Bell, Jesse Lofthouse, Jhalaena Butao, Melody Wagenaer, William Hunter (Distinction)

Year 8 - Henry Bowie, Issac He, Alexander Austen-Young (Distinction), Angus Potter (Distinction), Lily Arendse (Distinction)

Wishing you all the very best for the coming holidays. Remember your masks and rest up for a busy Term 4. 

Mr Mark Macdonald

Head Teacher HISE