Dear Killara Families

Changes to some COVID-19 Rules

Several COVID-19 related changes have been introduced pertaining to school operations. NSW Health has agreed to the following activities resuming across all schools in NSW:

Parents and carers are able to enter school grounds but should continue to follow COVID-safe practices, including social distancing between adults of 1.5 metres.
Parents and carers can attend school sporting events. School sporting events should align with requirements for community sporting competitions and training activities in NSW.
There are no recommended limits on singing groups in schools, including for in-class educational activities such as repetition, chanting, recitation, or singing activities. Five metres is recommended between a group of performing singers and other people, including the audience and conductor, where practicable.

Year 11 Jindabyne Camp

The much-anticipated Year 11 camp to Jindabyne is underway. I attended camp from Sunday - Tuesday with our wonderful Year 11 students and can report back that students are having a wonderful time in the scenic alpine region of our state. I want to recognise and thank our Killara High School staff who are supporting our students at this camp. Camps such as this would not proceed without the tremendous commitment of our teachers. The Jindabyne staff have provided me with positive feedback on the engagement of our students and their commitment towards supporting their peers throughout activities. We are all proud of the achievements and commitment of our Year 11 students.

Life Ready

Year 12 and some Year 11 students are completing the mandatory Life Ready program this week at school. Guest speakers and various wellbeing activities have been planned. Ordinarily, this program would be offered as part of the Jindabyne camp, however, due to the Jindabyne camp being cancelled last year, Year 12 have been provided with a Life Ready program at school this year.

Women in Engineering - Dr Annalisa Contos

We welcomed Dr Annalisa Contos to our school on Monday 8 March 2021, International Women’s Day. Annalisa is a highly regarded engineer and she delivered an empowering presentation to female students in our Library about careers in engineering. Dr Contos shared insights about her own journey, including her studies and work. Dr Contos was well received by our students and I want to thank Mrs Dixon for organising this experience. We hope to run many similar events in the future.

Congratulations Alice Wilson Year 12, 2020.

Alice is a role model for her peers and she is highly respected amongst staff. Alice’s creative and skilful Industrial Technology – Timber Major Project was extraordinary, and her work has been selected for display in the Shape 2020 exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum, which showcases exceptional Industrial Technology Major Projects. Here is a link that outlines entry details for the actual exhibition via the Powerhouse Museum’s website: https://maas.museum/event/shape-2020/ . Mr Brendon Francis was Alice’s teacher and I wish to extend my appreciation for his guidance throughout this project. Congratulations Alice. This is a well-deserved accolade for an exceptional young person.

Our school’s enrolment catchment

Our school's intake area is changing from 2022 onwards. This change affects new enrolments into our school from 2022. The change will not affect any residential addresses currently designated to Killara High School. Further information on the intake area change is available on the School Finder website at schoolfinder.education.nsw.gov.au.

Computer coding: a powerful skill for all students

Our highly regarded computer coding program is re-commencing in Term 2. More information is included in this newsletter. Mr Andrew Smith and his coding coaches deliver this program on Wednesday afternoons. All students are provided with a Macbook Air laptop to use throughout the sessions and the coaches guide students through various activities. It’s a fun and supportive environment that builds skills in coding. Any student interested in computer coding should collect a permission and payment note from the front office. Notes needs to be returned before March 24.

Scout - therapy dog visit

On Wednesday morning we had a special visit from Scout. Scout is a beautiful therapy dog and his owner is our Director of Educational Leadership Mrs Jann Pattinson. Scout came along to say hello to students and staff and his impact was immediate and long-lasting. Smiling faces, children laughing and happiness all around – it’s amazing the impact a therapy dog can have.

Robin Chand

Principal (Relieving)

Wellbeing

SchoolTV