Dear Killara Families,

Term 1 has provided us with many rewarding experiences. Killara students have excelled in sports, arts, language and in many other disciplines and areas of interest. Our school provides many opportunities for our students to unleash their full potential, and I encourage all students to get involved in extra-curricular activities. Our full list of extra-curricular activities can be found on our website, under the section titled student services.

The World’s Greatest Shave

Our students and teachers have achieved many outstanding outcomes this term. A key learning event that is always a highlight in our school’s calendar is The World’s Greatest Shave. I thank Ms Gabrielle Zolezzi for her organisation of this event. This event raises awareness and educates our young people about Leukemia. It also strengthens our sense of community, empathy and care – key values that are vital for society. The Social Justice Committee organised this very large event, under the guidance of Ms Zolezzi. Many students and staff shaved or coloured their hair on Friday April 1st to show support. Many students supported the cause through purchasing a sausage sizzle, drinks, or fairy bread. The positive energy generated through this event brought smiles all around. Congratulations to Ms Zolezzi and the SJC.

Explicit Teaching

Our school’s pedagogical framework is based upon explicit teaching, and this focus will continue throughout the year. Our teachers use a variety of teaching strategies, and a focus area currently is a framework that utilises the “I do, we do, and you do” strategy.

I do: Explicit modelling by the teacher.

We do: We work together guided by the teacher.

You do: Students complete the task independently.

Our evidence based approach to teaching and learning is based on the research found in the NSW Department of Education’s What Works Best publication. A basic description of explicit teaching from the What Works Best publication states: Explicit teaching practices involve teachers clearly showing students what to do and how to do it, rather than having students discover that information themselves. Students who experience explicit teaching practices make greater learning gains than students who do not experience these practices.

High Potential and Gifted Education

Our school’s high potential and gifted education strategy will become broader in 2023. We are introducing two high potential and gifted education classes in Year 7. Testing and identification for these classes will take place in Term 2, 2022 for our 2023 Year 7 students.

Killara Academy

Killara Academy will commence in Term 2, with a large number of students across Years 7, 8 and 9 expressing an interest to participate. This is a middle school extra-curricular enrichment program focusing on scholastic excellence, consolidating practical life skills, and providing opportunities for university preparation, within a context that explicitly promotes a growth mindset. The program has a total of 20 lessons, each run before school. Enrolment for this program has now closed and Killara Academy will commence in Week 1, Term 2.

Cross Country

Our students participated in our school’s cross-country event on Tuesday 5th of April. Students showed excellent support for each other throughout the event, and it was wonderful seeing our students strive for their personal best. I thank our PDHPE faculty for their organisation of this large event.

Peer Support

A key component of our school that forms a crucial part of our identity is our peer support program. This program involves Year 11 students working alongside our Year 7 students. The completion of modules of learning aiming to support our youngest students transition into high school is very important, and our peer support leaders have formed meaningful mentoring partnerships with Year 7 students. This program symbolises the strong ethos of support, care and understanding within our students. Thank you, Ms Natalie Hill, for your tremendous organisation of this program.

Stage 4 Toilet Facilities

From Term 2, our D Block toilet facilities will be available to Stage 4 students only. This is aimed to support our Stage 4 students.

Have a safe vacation.

Robin Chand

Principal

Killara High School

Student Support Team

Shocked Music Festival Postponed to 6 August