Debating

On Monday, June 7, five Year 11 debaters attended a meeting of the Rotary Club of Ku-ring-gai to deliver an exhibition debate. From a small range of topics, the club requested that students debate ‘that dogs are better than cats,’ and the light-hearted subject matter made for an entertaining exchange of ideas. Melina S, Ariana G and Kelly J presented the affirmative case, and Alice M and Jonah R presented the opposing negative case, with the dog fans taking away a narrow win.

The team was supported in their preparations and delivery by one of the English Faculty’s debating coordinators, Ms Simons. In recognition of the debaters’ efforts, the club has made a donation towards the Stage 4 Debating program to assist in the school’s development of its emerging public speakers.

Dance

Alyssa L (Year 10), performed with her State Dance Ensemble group at 'In the Spotlight Dance Festival' last week at the Seymour Centre. A fantastic achievement. Well done Alyssa.

AFL

We arrived at Pennant Hills Park with a squad of 20 who were very keen to win. Unfortunately, in the first 10 minutes of warming up one of the players sustained a shoulder dislocation and had to go to hospital. This did not phase the coaches, Year 12 students Henry B and Mikayla H, rallied the troops to focus and continue with the warm up. Our first match was against St Ives High. At half time we were down on the scoreboard and had another shoulder injury. Now we only had 18 players, meaning no substitutes for any future matches. Back on for the second half and Killara rallied to level the score with minutes to go. The final siren sounded with the scores locked, it’s now a golden point match. Killara won the ball toss and pushed hard towards the goal. We scored to win the game, an amazing outcome.

On to game two. This was going to be a tougher match against Balgowlah Boys High. The scores were close at half-time with the teams evenly matched. The second half was a different story though. We out classed the opposition with skill, field placement and some great goals. The final score 26-14, Killara was into the grand final.

The grand final started at 1.20pm. Remember, we were down to 18 players and no subs. In the warm up, Henry and Mikayla pumped the boys up installing the belief they could with the match. We were playing Cherrybrook High who had earned an excellent reputation at the gala day, so they were going to be tough to beat. The score changed many times throughout the first half with Killara in the lead 16-9. Henry and Mikayla rallied around the players once again, there was a belief amongst the team that we could win this. Out we went, Cherrybrook caught up, then they hit the lead. Killara pushed hard towards the goals and scored, we were now in front. Cherrybrook worked hard, one of their players was everywhere on the field, he scored again to put them in front. We were running out of time and the team knew it. With amazing skill, maturity and calmness, Killara pushed to the goals. We received a penalty infringement and had a kick for goal. The ball sailed straight between the uprights, the siren sounded, the final score; 29-24. Killara were champions. The boys and coaching staff were ecstatic. This was the first time our school would be on the Shield. Exhausted but triumphant, we headed home after an inspiring day.

Thanks to Henry B and Mikayla H for their coaching wisdom and motivation, thank you to Mr Date for his support, the team could not have achieved this without the three of you. Well done everyone.

Stuart Lee

PDHPE Teacher

Chess

Killara High School came third in the Northern District Chess Online Competition organised by the Sydney Academy of Chess in Term 1 2021. Two of our Year 9 boys, Boyu L and Ari B, received trophies for their outstanding achievement. Well done boys.

Hockey

Piers W (Year 8) and Imogen W (Year 9) represented North West Sydney Hockey Association at the tournament and both came back with Gold Medals. Piers and his team won the Div 1 Gold Medal in the U13 Boys competition. Imogen and her team drew 1st place in the Div 2 U15 Girls competition, both teams being awarded Gold Medals. Congratulations.

Tennis

Congratulations to Avantika S (Year 11) who competed in two International Tennis Federation competitions hosted in Darwin in May. In the J4 competition she lost in the 1st round of the main draw to Bridget Milhulka (Australia). In the J5 competition she defeated Jessica Keunyeong Jeong (Korea) in the 2nd round, however she lost in the Quarter Final of the qualifying draw to Rhea Makesar (Australia). Well done Avantika on this outstanding achievement.

Drama

Congratulations to Keeva O (Year 8) who was selected to be part of the NSW State School Junior Drama Ensemble for 2021. Keeva was selected from a number of candidates from across the state. Keeva will develop her drama skills being mentored by industry professionals and a variety of tutors and will perform at the State Drama Festival at the Seymour Centre at the end of the year.

For those students interested, our very own Killara High School Drama Ensemble takes place every Tuesday afternoon 3:15-4:15pm in the Theatre for Year 7 and 8 students. Please see Mr Lofts for more details in the English Staffroom.

Callum Lofts

English/Drama Teacher

The Lion Library

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