Latest News
and Reminders

Killester College Guided Tours

The first Monday of each month – 9.00am.

Additional dates - August 8th and 15th, 2022.

To book a tour, go to the Killester Website and click the "Tour Bookings" on the Homepage.

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Alumni Advanced notice

There will be a 30 year Reunion on Sunday 13th November 2.00 - 5.00pm for the class of 1992. Details are available from Kylie Taberner here at the school.

The Top End Tour 2022

On June 30, thirty two of us headed off on the inaugural thirteen day Top End Tour. The tour included an express trip overnight to Coober Pedy, where the students enjoyed a tour of the town, saw inside an underground home and an opal mine. We all slept underground in a bunkhouse, which was fantastic. The next day we headed for Uluru and Kata Tjuta. We arrived to a beautiful afternoon and sunset over the camping ground. The next day we were guided around the rock and learned the songline of the indigenous people. We also visited and walked into the gorge area at Kata Tjuta. The day was capped off with cheese and dips overlooking sunset at Uluru.

Next came Watarrka (Kings Canyon). This began with half a day spent with the Lilla community. We were welcomed to Country with a smoking ceremony and later guided through sacred sites within the community. It was a moving experience and one I am sure everyone will vividly remember. There were songlines created in the red dirt and some terrific dot paintings to be done. We left with regret and a huge coconut damper! The next morning we completed the four hour Rim walk at Watarrka, which was amazing scenery, then Alice Springs beckoned.

In Alice we visited the School of the Air, re-stocked supplies, went to the lookout at sunset, visited Simpson's Gap and the Desert Park. That night we were visited by Rex, the Reptile Man. Some of the students were initially a little wary of the python but did attempt to have it cross over their shoulders.

A ten hour drive saw us then arrive in Daly Waters. Finally the frosty mornings and evenings were a thing of the past. We had dinner at the iconic hotel and then listened and danced to the live performers. It was a fabulous night for the group.

The next day, enroute to Kakadu, we stopped in at Mataranka for a couple of hours. The hot springs were hugely welcomed by all. Such a picturesque place to visit!

In Kakadu we stayed at Cooinda (Yellow Waters). It was warm and lovely not to be dressed for bed in five layers of clothing! It was an early start to do the sunrise cruise, but certainly another memorable event. There were many crocs and wonderful birdlife with a certain degree of "oh my God" when some larger crocodiles came alongside our boat. We visited the rock art at Nourlangie before our final night in tents! Enroute to Darwin the next day we stopped in at Edith Falls with its beautiful rock pools with the ability to swim under the falls.

Our arrival in Darwin was filled with excitement, as the last night of the Tour was in a resort with real beds, ensuites and a huge pool. It was also a little bitter sweet as we realised the tour was drawing to a close. That evening we visited the Mindil Beach Markets (much souvenir shopping to be done) and watched the sunset together on the beach as we ate dinner.

The final day saw another early start. Backpacks had to be ready for the plane and we needed to be at Crocodylus. Here we had a private tour of the feeding of crocs from a boat and visited all of the other animals and birds. Then it was off to the Art Gallery and Museum, which was greatly enjoyed. Then lunch in the park, where we thanked Mel, our cook, and Callum, our bus driver. We headed off to The Flying Doctors and then an early dinner on the wharf. Finally we visited the Deck Chair cinema to watch Sonic 2 and then on to our 12.15am flight home.

We were all a little tired when we returned to school and classes on Thursday, but this trip has given us lifelong memories. We laughed, froze, celebrated Yechelle's 18th birthday, walked, hiked. swam, talked, danced, lugged backpacks, set up tents, dismantled tents, slept in the bus, listened to music, watched movies, ate together, prayed together, joked around, met so many people and, ultimately, learned and experienced so many new things about this wonderful country we call home.

Sincere thanks to Samantha Campion, Penny Curtis and Maree Edwards for all that they did on the Tour as staff members and 'surrogate parents'. Thanks to all of the students, who were brilliant. Thanks to the parents of the students for sticking with us as we organised this tour during COVID lockdowns in 2021. Thanks also to Stacey McNamara, who assisted with so much of the prep work and then was not able to come (together with Steve McPhail) due to illness. We missed you both.

Now discussions begin for the Top End Tour 2 ... stay posted.. you will be hearing about this soon.

Loreto Cannon

AP: Engagement, Operations and Transition

Reflections of the Top End Tour 2022

During the Tour Killester College raised $191.20, which will help keep the Flying Doctor flying!!

Ms Cannon - I loved the night in Daly Waters and seeing everyone up dancing and entertaining the crowd. Everyone looked so happy to have a warm night and such freedom. Mataranka and Kakadu were certainly absolute highlights also.

Ms Campion - I just loved everything, everyday was something different!

Ms Edwards - The beauty of Simpsons Gap and swimming at Edith Falls- a natural freshwater pool -and having my shoulders massaged by the power of the falling water.

Ms Curtis - absolute highlight was Edith Falls. It was a kilometre hike up and around, but what a spectacular reward to be able to swim in the freshest water I've ever been in - with a waterfall as well

Yechelle - The most amazing part of this trip for me was the magical Uluru. Enriched in culture and magnificence, being immersed into what seemed like a different world was an unforgettable experience. Not to mention, spending my 18th birthday in some of the most awe inspiring places including Edith falls and Kakadu was definitely a highlight!

Katelyn Hunter - my favourite part of the trip was probably Darwin, we finally got a real bed and we got to go to the market and just gorge ourselves on food and sit on the beach watching the sunrise.

Taylor - The Top End Tour was a trip of a lifetime, I never really had a favourite part of the trip because everything was great, but the one thing I loved was being with people and having laughs with them all the time. Laughing till we made our stomachs hurt and tears were coming out of our eyes.

Abishalini - My favourite part of the entire trip was definitely the cruise. As someone who ‘hates’ water it was a massive change in experience. We got to see such beautiful scenery which blew a lot of our minds. Having the opportunity to experience the sunrise on a cruise was by far the best activity of the whole trip. With every minute on the water, you gradually see the change in colour of the atmosphere with the sun slowly peeking over and reflecting its gorgeous rays against the water.

Nemesia - My favourite part of the Top End Tour was when we hiked to Kings Canyon and the amazing views we got to see. And going to Crocodylus Park seeing all the big crocs was amazing and seeing how every enclosure held a bigger crocodile, also holding a baby crocodile.

Syriana - My favourite part of the trip was having dinner and dancing at Daly Waters. I know that is a core memory for me now and just being able to have fun and carefree with everyone was amazing. Also all the swimming at Edith falls and the thermal pools and all the pools at the camping grounds and resort we stayed in were so fun. Learning about aboriginal costumes and culture and Lila was so interesting as well. Overall the whole trip was fantastic and I loved meeting new people through it!

Kersikka - The favourite parts for myself was between experiencing the amazing views that Edith falls has to offer , a truly breathtaking swim in a waterfall and pictures scenery. As well as having a night out at the Daly Waters Pub. From the live band to the entertaining locals, it was an overall a fun and enjoyable night that I will remember for a long time.

Sienna - my favourite part was the night that we spent in Daly Waters, being able to have fun and dance with my friends will be a memory I will never forget.

Jasmyn - My favourite part was Edith Falls where we went swimming amongst a waterfall, it was the most beautiful scenery and just the most amazing and refreshing swim I’ve ever had. I also really enjoyed visiting Lilla; we learnt a lot more about indigenous culture which was definitely an interesting experience and the scenery there was beautiful.

If I’m entirely honest the whole trip was absolutely amazing, the places we went and the people we were with. The favourite place was probably Edith Falls and Lilla. Lilla was peaceful and it was a moment that I was able to connect with myself again and a moment to feel the world as it is and for its beauty, and in Lilla I enjoyed learning about some of their cultural traditions. Edith Falls was an experience I will never forget, I will never forget the time I swam under a waterfall and slipped on every rock I stood on.

Mila - I enjoyed the whole trip! It was very different from a normal ‘holiday’ as you were out exploring rather than sitting and relaxing by the pool. My favourite part of the trip was definitely getting to learn about the different stories and traditions in Lila, and also getting to swim in lots of fresh water lakes and pools such as Edith Falls and the Hot Springs in Mataranka. But most of all I enjoyed making so many new friends and becoming closer with the girls I already knew.

Holly - It is so difficult just to pick one particular memory or experience from the trip. Each day we were exploring and learning about the different places and their heritages and or the current state. Although I have to say my two favourites were learning about the Lila traditions and culture, it was extremely beautiful and eye opening. Being able to take part in that sort of hands-on and educational experience is something I will never forget. As we moved further up towards Darwin and reached Daly Waters, that night spent at the pub listening to Lou Bradley and Phil, play live music as we all suggested some bangers such as Grease, Hopelessly devoted to you, along with some dancing and singing is another in the moment experience that will forever be stuck in my mind.

Kaitlyn Hannah - This trip was an amazing opportunity that I would recommend to anyone getting to spend time with some amazing people and meeting some amazing people, educating myself and getting some fresh air. It was truly an amazing experience and wish I could go back.

Ella - A trip of a lifetime is what I would say to sum up Killester’s first ever Top End Tour!! Making tons of new friends and exploring parts of Australia that a lot of people don’t. Although, some of the most amazing parts of this trip that stood out for me were Daly waters, Lilla and Uluru. Daly Waters was full of spirit and we sang and sang at the local pub with the whole group.

Tara - This trip was truly a once in the lifetime experience. I never would have thought I could learn and experience the different parts of Central Australia like I did. My favourite part of the trip was being able to learn about the Indigenous people and their culture in Lilla and Uluru. I also really enjoyed being able to shop for interesting items and foods at the Mindil Beach Market in Darwin.

Olivia - The warm weather was an amazing way to end the trip.

Premier's VCE Award

Congratulations to Emerald Nguyen who has been recognised with a Premier’s VCE Award for her outstanding academic results in 2021. The ceremony took place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday 20th July.

Emerald received a Premier’s VCE Study Award. Students must have achieved a study score of 46 or above to be eligible for a Study Award. Individual Graded Assessment scores were used to determine the top group of students for each VCE Study Award. The number of awards in each study is calculated using the enrolment base in that study. Emerald achieved a study score of 49 and came out at the top of the State for students enrolled in Laboratory Skills (VCE VET). A huge congratulations to Emerald and her family for this phenomenal achievement and hard work.

Front Office Reminders

NEW PHONE SYSTEM

Please be advised that the College now has an automated telephone answering system:

When phoning the College you will be asked to select from the following:

Press 1 for School Payments (e.g. School Fees, Music Lessons, Bus Fees etc)

Press 2 for Accounts Payable

Press 3 for College Enrolments

Press 4 for I.T. Support

or Hold for Reception (This option is also to report a student absence)

LATE TO SCHOOL

Please make sure your daughter signs in at the Front Office if she is late to school. If she does not sign in at the Front Office you will receive an SMS asking to explain her absence.

ABSENCES

If your daughter is going to be absent from school for any reason please make sure you ring the Front Office to inform them, preferably before 9.00 am. The Front Office staff will then mark your daughter’s roll accordingly so you do not receive an SMS.

LEAVING EARLY

If your daughter is leaving school early for any reason, please make sure she has a signed note from Parent/Guardian to give to her Homeroom Teacher in the morning. Your daughter needs to then bring that signed note with her to the Front Office at the time of her departure. It is your daughter’s responsibility to come to the office at the time arranged for pick up. Students are NOT PERMITTED to make their own way home or to an appointment. A Parent or Guardian MUST come into the front office to pick up the student. Students are asked NOT to make contact with Parents/Guardians directly via their mobile phone, to arrange to go home while at school as use of their mobile phone is not permitted. This contact will be made by Front Office or teaching staff.

Learn To Speak English While You Make New Friends

Are you too shy to talk to people because you cannot speak English very well? Well you can improve your English because Killester College runs a ‘Conversational English Class for adults’ every Monday morning at 10:00am till 12:00pm during school term, for parents, family members and friends. Classes are fun, where you are safe to try your new language skills in a friendly place. You will learn words that you may use everyday while at the same time make new friends who will encourage you to talk in English. We also talk about things that are happening in our community.

We would love you to join us to help improve your English and at the same time have lots of fun. Mondays 10.00am till 12.00pm in the Family Learning Centre at Killester College. Please contact Loreto Cannon at the College or via email at lcannon@killester.vic.edu.au to book. We hope to see you there.

Jacqui Adams

Volunteer Tutor Conversational English

Important Dates

July 25

Sports Week

Peer Support

SCSA Volleyball - MSAC

Yr10/11 Italian Excursion

July 26

Yr 12 Learning Conversations - online

Grade 6 Morning Tea

Youth Summit at Springvale Town Hall

Yr 11 VCAL Incursion P1 & 2

July 27

Building Bridges

July 28

School Assembly

VCE Chemistry Quiz P1 & 2

July 29

Yr 9 Online applications close (subject selections)

August 1

Arts Week

School Tour

SCSA Aerobics

August 2

Yr 10 & 11 Online applications close (subject selections)

Intermediate SEGAP (Volleyball and Netball) after school

Yr11 & 12 VCAL Incursion

August 4

Music Excursion - MSO