Week 10

Dear Killara Families

The Department of Education’s Learning From Home mode has entered its second week here at Killara High School, and the entire school community has made adjustments to accommodate.

Classroom teachers have been adjusting to this new mode of learning and we appreciate the understanding shown by our students and families during this time. We have seen fantastic work being submitted by students and we encourage you all to maintain a routine that aligns as closely as possible to the school’s timetable. We understand that this is not always possible, because the complexities of life take place, and we are all operating in challenging circumstances. We also understand that some students have faced challenges accessing the internet due to outages. Please reach out to classroom teachers via the online learning platforms and we will do our best to support.

Online behaviour management

Behaviour in the virtual world should adhere to the school’s code of conduct. Students are reminded to:

Learn all they can
Show respect for others
Give others the chance to learn
Follow all safety guidelines

All families will be sent a copy of the Learning from Home Technology Behaviour Policy. This document outlines the specific behavioural expectations for students during this mode of learning. We are working towards consolidating all Learning From Home related policies and placing them in a location to improve access for our students and families.

Teachers are working towards adjusting assessment items to suit the online mode of learning. All questions relating to assessments should be asked by students through their online learning platform.

Staff will be best available to respond to queries during school operation hours. Students should communicate with their classroom teachers through their online learning platforms during class time.

Youth Outreach Worker

Lucy Dahill is our Youth Outreach Worker and she is available to support students over the phone on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Many of our students and families would be familiar with Lucy’s work around the school by attending seminars and presentations where Lucy has shared helpful strategies. Lucy can provide practical advice about managing stress and studies.

Online counsellor referral forms for parents and students

The wellbeing of students is our priority and the KHS online counsellor referral form is available for students and parents. Please visit our school website > Wellbeing > Counsellor Referral Forms.

Learning from Home

We understand that working and completing tasks online takes longer compared to a face-to-face mode of learning, and teachers will reflect on the feedback received to moderate workload quantities. I encourage you all to complete the student and family surveys that will be released soon.

NESA updates

NESA is regularly releasing information in relation to the HSC and school-based assessments. Here is a link to access important updates from this agency in relation to COVID-19 advice: https://www.educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/about/news/novel-coronavirus

Music

Music is something that plays a role in managing stress and other emotions for many members of our school community. I personally draw inspiration and motivation from the lyrics and music of artists. I encourage you all to establish a playlist of your favourite songs, sing-along and take breaks frequently. We are all in this together, so lose yourself to the music and don’t worry ‘bout a thing. Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds is at the top of my Spotify playlist.

During this time of social distancing, we can all use technology to strengthen our connection and maintain the human touch with each other. So please stay connected, reach out to our school, friends and family and embrace the relationships with others, as this health challenge forces us to pause and reflect on the important things in life.

Robin Chand

Relieving Principal

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