Term 3 - week 4

It has been a busy term so far here at Killara High School with many achievements and exciting learning experiences taking place.

Year 12

Our Year 12 students have managed themselves with great diligence and maturity during their trial examination period. There have been many examples of collaboration, care and acts of kindness, as the year group works towards completing their yearly examinations. It has been wonderful to see the care and commitment of staff and parents as they support students in this academic endeavour.

School Planning Process

Our school has commenced planning towards the 2021-2024 new School Improvement Plan. All NSW public schools will be involved in this program of planning new initiatives and identifying areas of focus for the next cycle of school improvement. The key themes underlying our school’s plans for improvement include: high expectations, explicit teaching, effective feedback, use of data to inform practice, assessment, classroom management, wellbeing and collaboration. During our next P&C meeting, scheduled for Wednesday 19 August at 5.30pm, we will be asking for our community’s input into this planning process. Please contact the school office if you would like to provide your input, or to find out how to share your ideas with the P&C.

Road Safety

I would like to remind all parents and guardians to discuss with their children the importance of road safety. Please remind your children to cross roads safely by looking around, checking for approaching cars, and removing the distractions created by mobile phones and earphones. I would also like to remind all families that students are not permitted to ride their bicycles on Koola Avenue before or after school.

Health

There have been exciting learning experiences taking place around the school and students are engaging with safety requirements in a calm and mature manner. Please continue monitoring the information surrounding the COVID-19 situation. The NSW Health website has useful information that is regularly updated with the latest information. You can access this information at this address: www.health.nsw.gov.au

School Events

In light of these changing health guidelines, our school is still working on making a determination about the Year 12 formal and our Year 12 graduation ceremony, Ekuba. I thank the parent volunteers who are part of this process of working with the school in planning this very large event. Within the current guidelines, this year’s Ekuba event will involve students only. Furthermore, these events will not be scheduled for Term 3. If these events do proceed, we will look at dates towards the end of Term 4. I understand the reverence held by students, staff and families for these events and we will work within the health guidelines to support suitable events taking place. I thank you for your understanding.

Student Wellbeing

We have many staff members here at school who can assist supporting the wellbeing of all students. Our School Counsellor is available Monday to Friday. Our Year Advisers and our Head Teacher Wellbeing are also ready to assist students with any academic, wellbeing and social needs. We have our Student Support Officer who is also present at our school Monday to Friday. Please reach out for support where needed.

Science

On Tuesday I visited Ms Julie Della Villa’s Science class and observed students excitedly working on series and parallel circuits. Ms Della Villa is an exceptional educator who is able to unleash the full potential in all of her students, and I have included some images of her class at work in one of our Science labs.

Robin Chand

Principal (Relieving)

Wellbeing

Elevate Education - Time Management