From the Principal

High Academic Expectations and Explicit Teaching

Our culture of always striving towards excellence

Killara High School is an extraordinary school. A key ingredient of our success is our culture of never standing still, and our collective belief in always striving for excellence in all we do. Like elite sporting teams, we take pride in our school’s heritage and our vision, and we believe in an ethos of support, care, playing our part and turning up for each other. 

To continue being successful we will evolve, and this means to always seek out ways to improve systems, processes, and pedagogy, and to push forward to always provide our students with the highest quality education that is possible. A key component of our school’s success is our teaching team and support staff. Our teachers are highly dedicated and will go to great lengths to ensure our students are supported in their learning. There is something special that defines a Killara teacher and a Killara staff member, and our students truly benefit from being surrounded by caring, passionate and skillful teachers and staff. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the tremendous work that goes into running a successful school and our teachers and support staff are the backbone of our culture of excellence. We strive to ensure that all students are known, valued and cared for, and we aim to ensure that every student, every teacher and every leader improves every year. This positive culture creates the perfect learning environment for our students, and we value the student-teacher relationships that allow effective teaching and learning to flourish here at Killara. 

Visiting classes around our school on Wednesday afternoon 1 June during period 4, I was amazed and inspired by our dedicated and hardworking students and teachers.  In A block I saw students refining their craft of writing in English. In B and D blocks I saw students extending their mathematical skills. In D block I also saw students learning a language and exploring the world of Science. Across the school in G block, Mr Arnison was captivating his Year 9 Engineering students with the creation and testing of water towers. Over in K block, Mrs Lou’s students were completing depth study experiments. Our school is a wonderful place of learning, inspiration and high expectations. 

Macquarie University

We hosted two representatives from Macquarie University on Thursday 1 June. Many students attended this university session to explore options at Macquarie University. I thank our Careers Advisers for organising these valuable learning experiences for our students. 

Boccia Knockout 2022 Round 1

On Thursday 1 June we had three students represent Killara High School at a Boccia competition at Ryde. The team was successful and have progressed to the next stage of the competition. I thank Mr Duncan Smith for his organisation and support of this program.  

Student Progress Review Meetings

On Tuesday 31 May we held our Year 11 student progress review meetings. It was great to connect with families and discuss the progress of students. I thank our community for their dedication towards supporting our students.

Big Band Blast

A dedicated group of students and teachers travelled to Port Macquarie to participate in the Big Band Blast. Our Stage Band 1 students travelled with Ms Dale, Mrs Berry, Bob Coassin and Mr Browne, leaving on Friday 27 May and returning back to school on Sunday 29 May. The event provided an invaluable experience for our students and I thank our teachers for their dedication towards developing the talent our students. I particularly thank Mr Browne for driving the bus on this excursion, and Mrs Dale for her organisation. 

School Aerobics 

On Saturday 28 May our talented Killara High School aerobics teams participated in the NSW School Aerobics competition at Brigidine College. I congratulate all students for their participation. I thank Mrs Muller for supporting these students. 

Killara Academy 

Our Killara Academy program is growing week-by-week. This week our students explored the world of employment. Students learnt about resume writing and interview skills. Students also learnt about scholarships. I thank Mrs Kiernan and Mr Evans for their practical and insightful presentations. 

Duke of Edinburgh Update

I wish all Bronze Duke of Edinburgh students the very best for their hike this coming weekend. Students will commence at 9am on Sunday 5 June and conclude at 2pm on Tuesday 7 June. I thank Mrs Downes for her organisation of this large program. Furthermore, I thank our students and their families for their dedication to this program. 

Traffic

I thank our families for their adherence to road rules when picking-up and dropping-off students. Drivers should only park in designated parking areas. We have had some parents park in driveways and block traffic on Koola Avenue. I have attached a link to the NSW Government parking rules, and a key point of note is “Your parked vehicle must not block the flow of traffic or become a danger to other road users”.

E-cigarettes and Student Wellbeing

E-cigarette use is an ongoing issue among young people. The negative health impacts of this behaviour are concerning, and we request that all parents maintain an appropriate degree of vigilance around this matter. We treat matters involving e-cigarettes seriously as it is a matter relating to student safety. This information is intended to support our community in developing a broad understanding of e-cigarettes. If your child requires support in matters involving e-cigarettes, please contact the school and have a discussion with one of our staff members. Our Deputy Principals, Head Teacher Wellbeing, Student Support Officer and Counsellor are ready to assist. 

Consistent with the Department of Education’s Suspension and Expulsion of School Students Procedures – consuming, selling or being in the possession of e-cigarettes will result in disciplinary action that may lead to a student being suspended from school. In all situations involving e-cigarettes, parents will be contacted. 

What are e-cigarettes? 

NSW Health describes electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes as battery operated devices that heat a liquid (or e-liquid) to produce a vapour to inhale. Using an e-cigarette is sometimes called ‘vaping’. E-liquid contains a range of chemicals or flavours, and often contains nicotine. E-cigarettes with nicotine are illegal in NSW.

E-cigarettes come in many shapes and sizes and can be made to look like everyday items including highlighters, pens or USB memory sticks. Vapour from e-cigarettes does not usually have a strong odour but they may have a sweet smell depending on the flavour. 

More information pertaining to E-cigarettes and young people can be found on the NSW Health website below.

• E-cigarettes are not risk free. They may expose users and bystanders to chemicals and toxins such as propylene glycol, glycerol or ethylene glycol that cause adverse health effects, and may increase the risk of developing cardiovascular, cancer and respiratory diseases. E-liquids or vapour may also contain potentially harmful chemicals which are not present in smoke from tobacco cigarettes. E-cigarettes are often labelled incorrectly and may contain nicotine, even when they claim not to contain nicotine. E-cigarettes may contain high levels of nicotine, which may cause poisoning if swallowed.
• Just like tobacco products, selling any e-cigarette or e-cigarette accessories to people under 18 years of age is illegal in NSW, regardless of whether the product contains nicotine or not. If you suspect someone is selling e-cigarettes to minors, you can report it to NSW Health by completing the online reporting form or call the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412.

According to NSW Health, parents or caregivers can do the following:

• Talk to your child about why e-cigarettes are harmful for them. It is never too late to have the conversation
• Learn about the different types of e-cigarettes available and the risks associated with using these products
• Set a good example by being tobacco free
• Report those who are selling e-cigarettes to minors or selling e-cigarettes containing nicotine. You can do this by completing by completing the online reporting form or calling the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412.

At school, we will continue educating students about the harmful impacts associated with this behaviour.  Please click on the pdf link below from the Cancer Council to gain more information.

I thank you for your support and care. 

Robin Chand

Principal