From the Assistant Principal

Dear families of Killester,

This week is Refugee Week. Refugee Week actually started in Australia in 1986 and is now a global celebration. It provides us with a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and honour the many ways in which people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds, in essence; most of us, have enriched our new communities. Here at Killester, Refugee Week is an important opportunity for us all to experience and celebrate the rich cultures of refugee communities through theatre, music, dance, film, food, stories and other kinds of events that makes us the thriving multicultural community that we are. 

Our Year 10 students and families have commenced their Pathway journey exploring possibilities, potential and attributes that will help them navigate VCE, VCAL and tertiary and career opportunities. Students were introduced to many of these options and commenced examining their passions and strengths on Tuesday afternoon led by Ms Zoe Anderson, Careers Leader, Mr Jason Mahmood, Senior Pathways Leader and Year 10 Student  Development Leader, Ms Galante and the Year 10 homeroom teachers. Many parents attended the online information session focusing on the Morrisby Careers guidance and advice program. Thank you to all families, students and teachers for their positive support of our young people at Year 10.

Year 11 and Year 12 students had practice examinations and several assessments this week. It is heartwarming to see the dedication and enthusiasm that our senior students have been giving to these tasks. At the same time, VCAL students and students in Years 7-10 were also completing assessments and culminating projects that were delayed or impacted by the recent period of remote learning, where many practical or final tasks are difficult to complete online. I am particularly aware of the extra pressures and challenges this places on our students and commend them and their teachers for the resilience and support they demonstrate when things don’t always go as planned.

The Addams Family cast and crew spent both Sunday and Monday rehearsing the Killester College Musical for 2021. I had the pleasure of witnessing the joy, skills and blossoming performances as the rehearsal period nears its culmination. Good luck to all involved who will spend two or three days of their Term 2 break and then Sundays from the beginning of Term 3 until Production Week August 16th-22nd continually rehearsing and polishing what promises to be a highly entertaining piece of musical theatre. Tickets will be on sale soon.

Term 2 ends at 3.05 pm this Friday, June 25th. Teachers return on July 12 to participate in a variety of learning and professional development sessions, while students return on Tuesday July 13th. We look forward to welcoming you back in Semester 2 after you enjoy a much needed break.

Please have a safe and relaxing break from school. Try to revive and refresh by taking daily breaks from mobile phone and computer screens. The most recent research is absolutely conclusive in linking anxiety, social problems and a range of mental health issues to the overuse of technology.  Walking, reading, exercising, listening to music or simply being with friends and family, are proven strategies to help young people relax, unwind and renew themselves. 

Yours sincerely

Steve McPhail

Assistant Principal: Learning & Teaching