Issue 5 August 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Term 3 is already in full swing and much has happened since our last News Review. We ended last term with two special school community events. Our annual Quiz Night raised over $11 000 with the help of our school and local community, and the school production of Annie, by our Performing Arts students were both a wonderful success. Thank you to all those who were involved in these events – it is amazing to have such community support.

This term we welcomed back our students from the holiday Ski Trip, along with students from a range of camps including Gifted and Talented Visual Art, Outdoor Adventure Expeditions and just recently the Music camp. These activities are important experiences for students to learn skills and values beyond the regular classroom. I want to thank most sincerely, all staff who support the school in providing these amazing opportunities for our students.

Cause to be proud

We also welcomed back some of our Kalamunda Senior High School students who joined with the Gooseberry Hill Primary School students on a music tour to Canberra and Sydney. The students participated in the Australian International Schools Music Festival where the Orchestra won Gold and the Choir Silver (narrowly missing gold) for their performances. We congratulate them on such a high achievement.

I was very proud to attend this year’s OPUS at the Perth Concert Hall recently, where a range of musical excellence was on display from the Instrumental Music School Services. Some of our string music students combined with Applecross SHS and Willetton SHS to perform the Concerto in G by Vivaldi, the Theme from Schindler’s List by Williams and Momentum by Meyer. Three conductors shared the conducting, including our IMSS string teacher Tashana Tweddle and all pieces were spectacular.

Our Gifted and Talented art program students have also received a range of recent awards. Gem Vassallo won a $500 prize at the Mandurah Wearable Art Award and Ashleigh Motteram won First Prize in Photography at the Hypervision Exhibition. Jazmin Welch has had her work selected for inclusion in Metamorphosis at Central TAFE and we wish her well for this exhibition.

I would like to also congratulate one of our Year 8 students, Rohie McCallion, who along with her pony Carlyle Park Jetestter, recently represented Kalamunda Senior High School at the Western Australian Equestrian State Interschool Championships in the discipline of dressage. Rohie has now been selected to represent Western Australia at the National Equestrian Interschool Championships (Dressage - Intermediate Novice and Secondary Elementary) in Queensland in September 2017. We congratulate Rohie on making the national team and we wish her the best of luck at nationals in September.

We also congratulate two of our Year 12 students, Krystal Adranio and Brianna Grant, who have achieved their Queens Guide Award for Girl Guides. This is the peak achievement for youth at Girl Guides and we congratulate them on this award.

Congratulations to these students and to our many Kalamunda students who do us proud in their high achievements and by representing the state in events.

Japanese Exchange Program – 25 Year Anniversary

Our school recently hosted a group of Japanese students from Kobe Gacuin school and it was an amazing success. I want to thank Mrs Maguire for her careful organisation of the exchange program, along with Mrs Sharp who first established the program. Kalamunda SHS has been hosting Japanese exchange students for 25 years and this year marks the 20th Anniversary of the sister school exchange program with Kobe Gacuin. I want to thank and acknowledge the wonderful families who have taken these students into their homes over the stay. Without the kindness and generosity of our parents and staff, the program would not be possible. We hope that it has been a rewarding experience for you all.

Student academic achievement

At the end of last semester, we trialled the use of electronic reports. These were emailed to families as well as being available to download from Connect. We hope that this new facility will provide a timely and effective way of communicating student achievement to families.

On 15 August we also held our parent teacher meetings. This is a wonderful opportunity to touch base with your child’s teachers and to set some goals for the second half of the year.

P&C

Two P&C meetings are held each term and parents are encouraged to come along to support the school community and hear firsthand what is happening at the school. The local member of parliament for Kalamunda, Matthew Hughes MLA attended the last meeting to introduce himself and to listen to the discussions of the P&C.

The P&C will be supporting our House Track and Field Carnival on Friday 25 August, and they would love your support. Please contact the secretary (kshspc.secretary@gmail.com) if you can help on the day.

Welcome to our Kalamunda family

We welcome back Mrs Shabaziantan and Mrs Stevens from their leave and welcome the following staff who have joined us this tem; Ms Head as our new KPA Coordinator, Ms Smalpage teaching HASS, Mrs Zalstrovs in the Learning Centre and Mrs Raffael in the library. We also welcome Stella and Simone Attwater, Jasmyn Day, Meg Thomas, Tanayah Williams Cooper, Daymon Eades, Damian Perceval, James Stack, Lara Eilliott, Sterre Hogg, Imogen Wilkey, Shanah and Anthony Moffit, Jack and Shaylah Poingdestre to the school and hope that their time with us is very successful.

I wish everyone all the best for a successful term ahead.

Mrs Helen Deacon
Principal

Senior School Report

Term 3 started with one of the highlights of the year, our Semester 1 Awards Assembly. Congratulations to all the worthy winners and keep up the good work.

Semester 1 Awards

Semester 1 Dux

With Term 3 well underway it is a great time to take a time to reflect on;

• What you have achieved so far?
• What still needs to be accomplished?
• How do you progress from here, to get where you need to be?

Year 10 students have chosen their courses for 2018, which means each student now has an 11 and 12 pathway. From here it is necessary to maximise your efforts and develop a good work ethic that will put you in good stead for achieving your WACE at the end of Year 12.

The 2nd round of OLNA testing in September is fast approaching. Although an important component of the WACE, it is only one part and a clear understanding of all other components is most beneficial to for students and their families.

Year 11 students are now well placed to reassess their individual situations, make appropriate changes for the better and look to achieve the best results possible, passing Year 11 is the only pathway into Year 12.

With only weeks to go for the Year 12s there is no time for procrastination! A difference can still be made but it needs to be now. Putting in your best effort and achieving the results you are capable of will provide you with not only great satisfaction, but also more opportunities to pursue your career goals. A word of warning though remember a good life balance is critical, being at your best will serve you well in achieving those good results.

Mrs Sharon Andrews
Head of Senior School

Year 11 Report

Congratulations to the course Duxes and Top Students from Semester 1. It was great to see such a diverse group of students. It is only halfway through the year so hopefully we can see some challengers to the award winners and hopefully you can be inspired to achieve higher results in Semester 2.

It has been encouraging going through students’ reports seeing that the majority of students are progressing towards achieving the results they need to successfully complete Year 11. For those students not tracking at the required level you have this semester to get those results back on track.

It is important to note that for most courses running in Year 11 the result contributes to WACE. Semester 1 is important to see how you are progressing towards your course work. This means that everyone has the opportunity to increase their results to gain a more impressive WASSA (Western Australian Statement of Student Achievement).

There has recently been a letter emailed out about the 2018 school ball. The ball committee have been very busy preparing for the special evening. Students with advanced standing will have their ball ticket purchased by Student Services. In order to have advanced standing a student must have an attendance rate above 95%, consistently demonstrating courtesy and respect, always in full school uniform and achieve FOUR ‘A’ grades in the end of year report. Only students with their good standing will be invited to the ball.

Congratulations to the students for maintaining 100% attendance throughout first semester.

Mr Carl Stott
Year 11 Coordinator

Year 10 Report

The term has got off to a really busy start with the Year 11 subject selections taking place. It went very smoothly and I am very grateful to the parents who completed the process with their child. I think it hit home with some of the students that the results they achieved in Semester 1 impact on the subjects they were able to choose in Year 11. For those who were unable to pick the pathway of their choice - they still have the opportunity to improve their grades to meet the prerequisites required.

I had a very successful reward lunch with some Year 10 students who were nominated by their teachers at the end of last term. It is always great to reward those students who continue to do the right thing all the time.

On a negative note the uniform of the Year 10s at the moment is not great. There are still a lot of students in tracksuit pants and hoodies which are worn underneath their school jumpers. Just to confirm that the only pants that are allowed to be worn are the pants which can be purchased at Lowes. A navy blue undershirt can be worn under the school jumper - but not hoodies of any colour. Students are being marked as out of uniform on our system- which has resulted in many losing their Good Standing. This will impact on their ability to attend the end of year dinner.

As always for any concerns please contact me. The best option is via email Emma.Cannell@education.wa.edu.au

Ms Emma Dunstan
Year 10 Coordinator

Year 9 Report

Like many teachers and parents, I am always looking for ideas about fostering success at school for my students and my own children, particularly at this critical time of the year. I came upon a TED talk by Angela Duckworth which addresses some of the concerns I have.

What is Grit? – Please check out the video below, it has some valuable insights into assisting our students and children.

Carol Dweck – also has some significant ideas with regard to fixed vs growth mindset to assist student learning.

Year 9 Leadership Award Recipients – Middle School Assembly Week 2 Term 3

Our school community nominates Year 9 Students who are demonstrating the characteristics, initiative and behaviour of great leaders and role models in our Year 9 Cohort. Well done to the worthy recipients.

Prior to each Middle School Assembly, nominations are reviewed by our Middle School Leaders and our Associate Principal, Ms Mary Anne Morgan and worthy recipients acknowledged. The Middle School Leadership Award focuses on recognising the School Values of Respect, Pride, Resilience, Community and Love of Learning. In recognition of these admirable attributes, each student will be awarded with a Year 9 Leadership Award Pin and Certificate.

Year 9 Semester 1 2017 Dux

Congratulations Chamoda Idamgedara for achieving the Year 9 Dux Award for last semester. Your perseverance and application to your studies is very admirable.

Good Standing Certificates

Good Standing Gold, Silver and Bronze Commendation Certificates and 100% Attendance Certificates were given out at the last Middle School Assembly. Congratulations to all students who received a certificate acknowledging good attendance, good conduct, appropriate school uniform and academic progress.

Sijka’s Squad – Term 3

Students who are demonstrating a ‘Love of Learning’ in an outstanding way are being nominated by their teachers this term. These students will be rewarded with a morning tea with Mrs Sijka – delicious chocolate croissants and a warm drink. I look forward to acknowledging some of the fantastic work Year 9s are exhibiting in their classes.

Year 9 Assembly

Our Year 9 Councillors and House Captains are now running our Year 9 Assemblies. Year 9 students will continue to be rewarded for their positive efforts with Kala Credits from their teachers. This may be for good behaviour, effort, correct uniform, attendance, or other positive contributions to their schooling. Students’ names are drawn and they are rewarded for their great efforts in our Kala Credit Raffle at each Year 9 Assembly in Week 6 and 10 of each term.

Each Kala Credit represents 1 House Point, which will be collated at the end of each term – the House earning the most points receives a Pizza Lunch Reward – students must also have their Good Standing.

KSHS Good Standing

Please check your child’s Student Planner for information about maintaining Student Good Standing to ensure that your child will be included in the reward at the end of this semester, which is our Year 9 River Cruise. In previous years, the Year 9 students have enjoyed this exciting event and would be disappointed if students were unable to attend due to losing their Good Standing. I would like to encourage a particular focus on wearing appropriate school uniform this term – no hoodies please.

Thank you for your support and please don’t hesitate to contact me, your child’s Mentor Teacher or Learning Area Teacher if you have any questions. Nicole.Sijka@education.wa.edu.au.

Mrs Nicole Sijka
Year 9 Coordinator

Year 7 Report

Humanities Excursion

To bring to an end the fantastic work the Year 7 students had done in Geography on the topic of Liveability and to introduce the study of the Constitution and Law in Civics and Citizenship, all Year 7 students travelled into the Perth CBD for a day excursion.

Students were given the opportunity to peruse the State Government funded initiatives of the Sustainable Wetlands, the Urban Orchard and the Sound Garden as well as walk around the Perth Cultural Precinct.

Next, students visited the State Library and participated in the Righting Wrongs exhibition, designed to build understanding about Indigenous History and the 1967 Constitutional change.

The last stop was to visit the Frances Burke Law Education Centre, where students were able to visit an empty courtroom in the Supreme Court and learn about all of the roles play during a court proceeding. Then each group walked up to the Magistrates and District Courts where they watched an actual court in session.

After lunch in the Supreme Court Gardens, the last stop was to Elizabeth Quay, where students were able to do a Liveability study including a field sketch.

Paleontologist’s Incursion

On Monday 31 July, the Year 7 students were visited by paleontologist, Heidi Allen. Ms Allen shared a wealth of knowledge of her experiences on dig-sites, her finds, the differences between artefacts and fossils and her extensive work with stromatolites. We thank Ms Allen for taking the time out of her busy schedule to visit our Year 7 cohort and the Year 7 staff for continually organising such high order experiences for their students.

Ms Susan Archdall
Year 7 Coordinator

Student Services Report

Attendance and Commendation Awards

Term 3 is well and truly underway and it was wonderful to have assemblies to celebrate student successes from Semester 1 including 100% Attendance and Commendation awards.

100% Attendance Semester 1

Bronze Commendations Semester 1

Silver Commendations Semester 1

Student Council Update

Year 12 Leadership nominations are now open for any Year 11 students who have Good Standing to nominate for a Year 12 leadership position for 2018.

TIMELINE

Selection Process: This involves a combination of the speech to students, the voting system by students and staff and the interview.

Safe on Social Media Update

Please read the below article carefully as many of our students are using this App.

Please feel free to contact me or the team if you have any issues or concerns.

Mrs Amanda Morton
Manager Student Services

Father’s Day Breakfast

Gifted and Talented Visual Arts

We have had an exciting semester in Gifted and Talented Visual Arts, with Art camp a great success towards the end of last term. Students participated in a range of activities including night drawing, traditional charcoal, environmental art and acrylic and ink large scale paintings. We made a pit fire and crafted some small scale clay pieces to go into it on one of the evenings, with some interesting results! Students worked with chalk pastels in the forest and made their own natural brushes to use on a large collaborative mural.

We have also had huge success in the various competitions we have entered this year, with Gem Vassallo winning a $500 prize at the Mandurah Wearable Art awards earlier last term and Ashleigh Motteram taking out first prize in Photography at the Hypervision Exhibition over the holidays. We had 13 finalists all up in ‘Hypervision’ and all students had their work displayed at the Midland Junction Arts Centre and at Midland Gate shopping centre during July. One of our Year 12 students Jazmin Welch has had her work selected for a show at Metamorphosis at Central TAFE. This is a high quality selective exhibition that is prestigious to be in so we wish Jazmin all the best and she may come away with a prize!

Our Saturday workshops have been running very smoothly and I am pleased to announce we are now offering a Glass Art workshop for students to participate in. They have been cutting and designing glass sculptures with Tara Brooks, an artist working from Bindoon with her own business called Cactus Head Studio. The results of this are going to be very exciting and the students are once again learning a very different and exciting skill. Our workshops this term are quite traditional, with the idea that students are building on previously acquired skills to achieve some top results by Week 9.

Our Art Auction will also be happening again this year on 30 November. We will be asking for donations from the community of artwork to auction off to help fund the Gifted and Talented Program external trips and activities. This was a huge success last year and we hope to have a similar turnout this year.

Ms Zoe Wittber
Gifted and Talented Visual Arts Coordinator

Science News

Academic Excellence Program: Perth Zoo Excursion

A visit to the Zoo is always a good idea, and happened to fit in well with the Biological Science unit course work in Term 2. Our special guest presenter Claire (Zoo Staff member) shared her passion for conservation and animal welfare as she took us through a session ending with a hands-on encounter with reptilian residents of the Zoo (Yes, even Ms Bullock met the mini monster). Students then planned and ran their own scavenger hunt for Science facts using the Zoo collection and information signage. Well done to all participants for once again representing our school community positively to other users of the Zoo.

Kaarakin Conservation Internships

In conjunction with National Science Week 2017, Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre is offering FREE internship opportunities for high school students (Years 7 – 12) interested in the environment, conservation and wildlife sectors. Kaarakin is providing these opportunities to encourage students through hands on experience to pursue a future career in these fields. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to assist with Kaarakin’s ongoing environmental and conservation activities along with interacting and observing the black cockatoos, dingoes, kangaroos and emus located on site in Martin, Perth WA.

Science in the Cinema 2017

Aimed at Years 10 to 12, this movie and panel discussion experience (with pizza break) gets students thinking about the ethics of future science.

Movie screened: Gattaca (rated M 15+)
Venue: Scitech Planetarium West Perth
When: Wednesday 23 August, 5.30 to 8.30pm
Cost: $6

Mr Lindesay Pound
Science Teacher

Music News

On August 3 and 4 one hundred music students descended on Swan Leigh for our annual music camp. This year it was a pleasure to be able to take so many music students as in the past it was often only the concert bands that had a camp. It was a challenge to organise and coordinate but well worth it, the students were amazing. The staff from Swan Leigh also commented to me on how well behaved, organised and sincere our students were.

I would like to make a special mention to our wonderful parent support group ‘Musikal’ for helping out over the camp and a particular thank you to Alex Stevens, Helen Addison, Anne Marie Taylor, John Grant and Andrea Doust for their help around the camp, transporting music gear and staying over to help out.

I would also like to thank all of our IMSS music staff for their help over the camp rehearsing with the students and helping out. It is a real honour to be working with such an amazing talented, motivated and inspirational team.

All the students worked hard in their ensembles and the collaboration between staff and students was exceptional. Our school values of community really shone through and I am truly proud of the wonderful music culture that is flourishing at Kalamunda SHS.

As always, a highlight of the camp for me is the talent show. This year with so many students on camp the competition was fierce! We had beautiful, soulful, original songs, Bassoons, Acapella groups, unique guitar performances and an interesting recorder performance… to name but a few. All performers were winners and received prizes. Every year I am blown away by the students’ commitment to excellence in performance and musicianship.

Festival Performances

This is festival season and the numerous music festivals are happening over the coming weeks. Please contact your music instrumental teacher for specific details. It is expected that students attend the festival performances and that work or sport commitments are rearranged if necessary. All students are to wear the school music performance uniform for all performances.

Please take note of the following dates:

Guitar ensemble festival

Saturday 19 August - Carine High School 9.15am

Choral festival

Sunday 20 August – Churchlands Senior High School 9.30am

Junior concert Band festival

Thursday 31 August – Churchlands Senior High School 8.05pm

Senior Concert band Aboda Festival

Saturday 2 September - Churchlands Senior High School 10.15am

Strings orchestra festival

Sunday 3 September – Churchlands Senior High School 10.50am

In other news over the end of the Term 2 holidays a select number of our music students travelled to Sydney to perform with the Gooseberry Hill Primary School Choir and Orchestra. Both combined ensembles were very well received winning silver and gold medals. Well done to all involved!

Mr Marcus Roberts
Director of Music

Indonesion Update

Indonesian Excursion

On 14 June, 17 students went to Murdoch University to extend their cultural understanding in the following workshops. It was a fantastic day to see these students immersing themselves without hesitation. The respect and their participation was exemplary. The two workshops included:

Gamelan Workshop

Gamelan is a traditional musical ensemble from Indonesia, typically from the islands of Java and Bali. Gamelans have a long history in Indonesia and features a variety of instruments such as met allophones, xylophones, ending (drums) and gongs: bamboo flutes, bowed and plucked strings.

This workshop provides students with a unique opportunity to learn about the music of the Gamelan and play the instruments together as an orchestra.

In May 1993, the provincial Government and the people of East Java presented a handcrafted, 80 piece Gamelan orchestra to the Government and the people of Western Australia. This is housed in the Murdoch University, Peace Pavilion.

Poco-Poco Dance Workshop

The Poco-Poco dance is a popular line of dance which originally comes from the Minahasa in Sulawesi. The steps are said to originate from farming activities such as picking cloves, planting rice, hoeing the fields and peeling coconut fibre. This dance has been integrated into aerobic exercise classes and dance schools throughout Indonesia.

Terima kasih.

Ibu Kaler
Indonesian Teacher

Human Biology Excursion

On 21 June, the Year 12 Human Biology ATAR students visited the Lotterywest Biodiscovery Centre at the Harry Perkins Institute for a day of DNA replication and mutation identification. The day began with a quick introduction and reviewing the concepts of artificially forcing DNA to replicate. This process was modelled to the students in an interactive cut and paste challenge, where the students took on the roles of the enzymes to amplify the quantity of DNA in a given period of time. The competition was fierce for the ultimate prize of a DNA temporary tattoo.

After a brief break it was on to the very much anticipated laboratory sessions. Students got geared up in the personal protective equipment and enjoyed looking the part as research laboratory assistants. While in the laboratory students had hands on experience causing the replication process Polymerase Chain Reaction in real life. The students were exposed to a wide variety of scientific techniques used in the world of biotechnology and it gave them firsthand knowledge of a career path that is crying out for talented Biologists and Computing Specialists. The hunt was on to find the mutated BRAF gene, a known trigger for the development of melanoma in humans. After replicating their DNA using PCR students began the process of comparing the samples of DNA using a process of gel electrophoresis. This process required the use of fluorescent dye to stain the DNA strands which could only be read using a UV light.

Throughout the day the students had the opportunity to go on a tour of the facility. Their eyes were open to all the different avenues that biotechnology assists with and the career opportunities for the future. Students got to see the set up for a research laboratory into highly pathogenic organisms as well as a laboratory designed to sequence the genomes of people. The students thoroughly enjoyed their experience and a few are excited to discover more about this field of study.

Miss Laura Cheetham
Human Biology Teacher

Italian Update

A Romanian Remedy in Italian Class

All my Italian students are encouraged to explore and celebrate their own cultural backgrounds and traditions. Last term, Vlad Puia brought in his Mum’s very rustic Romanian remedy to fight colds, viruses and any other illness. The class was curious to try this unique concoction of vinegar, garlic, onion, ginger and water which was left to soak for a month. I was amazed at everybody’s excitement to try the Romanian ‘medicine’. The reactions were mostly positive, however there were a couple of students who were overwhelmed with the garlic and the after taste. Nevertheless, Vlad is to be commended on celebrating his proud Romanian heritage and involving an old tradition in Italian class. A big “Multumesc” to Mrs Puia!

Viva Sostenbile! Live Eco Friendly!

Throughout Term 2, my Year 8 Italian students were studying the ways in which we can make our homes and lives healthier. Our major focus was on the eco friendly home; Una Casa Sostenibile. Students researched various houses around Europe and the features which make them sustainable. Students learnt the vocabulary relevant to this topic and demonstrated their understanding by designing and creating a 3D eco friendly model of a house. Students also had to label the features in Italian. For example; il sorbatoio (water tank) il giardino organico (organic garden), i pannelli solari (solar panels), il mulino al vento (windmill). The results were tremendous! Students had worked productively during the holidays to produce a high quality project. Many parents became involved in the project. This is much appreciated! Forza Mamma e Papa`! Way to go Mum and Dad! Everybody enjoyed learning about the types of diverse houses in Italy, in particular the trulli and the Tuscan farm houses.

As well as creating eco friendly homes, students looked at Italian real estate to gain an insight into how Italian people live, what their homes look like inside and outside and also the prices. Students were amazed at the many castelli (castles) for sale and how some of them are free (the reason being, it is a strategy in which foreigners can help rebuild towns and maintain its beauty and originality). As a task, students designed ‘In Vendita’ posters. Students were instructed to design a ‘For Sale’ poster and include all information about that particular home in Italian. Students were therefore able to make cultural comparison between Australian and Italian homes.

Did you know……in 2011, the government of Italy became the first European Union to outlaw the use of plastic bags by all retailers? Prior to this, Italy used an estimated 20 billion bags per year (400 per person)!

A big applauso for my Year 8 Italian students!

Signora Pennington

Kalamunda SHS celebrates Languages Week

We are a school that recognises the beauty of cultural diversity and the many benefits that come from learning a second language. Kalamunda SHS is the only school in the Hills which offers three languages; Italian, Indonesian and Japanese.

The recognition of Languages Week 7-14 August is designed to raise awareness of the benefits of language learning, highlight the linguistic diversity in our community and celebrate the work of our students and teachers.

More than 270 languages and dialects are spoken in Western Australia today and Languages Week provides an opportunity to explore and celebrate language learning. Ways in which Kalamunda SHS our doing this are:

• Guest speakers from UWA
• Excursions to specific ’cultural’ industries eg: restaurants, factories, His Majesty’s Theatre
• Incursions: musicians, dancers, Language Honour Students
• Clubs: Extra time for Language and Culture learning during lunch time
• Keeping up to date with European and Asian news and pop culture
• Competitions
• Taste testing
• Cooking
• Exchange programs
• Overseas Tours (happening 2018 and 2019)
• Language ‘rich’ classroom environments

• Canteen Multicultural Week-each day is a different cuisine from another country
• Cosmopolitan Desserts for Languages Week
• Year 7 students created a RESPECT wall in 30 different languages

Country did you knows

Did you know…

• The Hawaiian alphabet has 13 letters
• 'Topolino' is the name for Mickey Mouse Italy
• Perth is Australia's windiest city
• Switzerland eats the most chocolate equating to 10 kilos per person per year
• The only continent with no active volcanoes is Australia
• The longest street in the world is Yonge street in Toronto Canada measuring 1,896 km (1,178 miles)
• The croissant was invented in Austria
• In eastern Africa you can buy beer brewed from bananas
• African Grey Parrots have vocabularies of over 200 words
• Australia was originally called New Holland

• The coins thrown into the Trevi fountain in Italy are collected for charity
• French fries are originally from Belgium
• Venetian blinds were invented in Japan
• The first sailing boats were built in Egypt
• Brazil is named after a tree

Mrs Maria Pennington
Italian Teacher

Technology and Enterprise

Winter Warmth for the Salvation Army

Continuing our long association with the Salvation Army, the Year 11 Children, Family and Community students collected, made and presented an amazing contribution of blankets, ponchos, beanies and other items designed to meet the needs of the homeless in Perth. Darren Reynolds from the Salvation Army was amazed at the amount that the students had made and collected this year – it was the best effort yet for our students. Darren gave a talk on the issue of homelessness in Perth and the various programs that seek to address it. It was an issue that touched the hearts of our students and as their teacher, I am proud of the way that the students went about making a difference for others in need.

Mrs Anita Phillips
Head of Learning Area Technology and Enterprise

Automotive Class

Kalamunda SHS was privileged to deliver Automotive for a number of years prior to the turn of the Century! We are now fortunate to be offering AUR10116 Certificate I in Automotive Vocational Preparation.

Year 10 students learn the very basics of mechanical engineering, electrical systems, engine maintenance and overall car systems – brakes and wheels, electrical, hydraulics, steering, body components and complexities of on board CPU computer systems.

Students are currently dismantling a 4 cylinder engine, cleaning and labelling parts ready to rebuild while at the same time completing theory aspects and a portfolio.

Students are engaging very well wanting to learn and respect engines and engine maintenance - that is so much a part of our lives. Students will receive their certificates at the successful completion of the course in Term 4.

FREE SERVICE (Labour costs – other conditions apply) supervised by Worksafe WA registered and authorised vehicle repairer for class 18. Light vehicle work (LVW) (gross vehicle mass of less than 8000 kg) - Mr Jackson, class teacher.

Students have to complete a basic service on an operational vehicle - oil filter and engine oil change only. This will be done in small groups. Parents/Guardians of students at this school will need to contact me to find out further information and/or book a time for a basic service to take place – there are limited opportunities.

As may be expected there is constant need for workshop consumables from, old clean rags to gifts/donations of degreaser/cleaning fluid, large sheets for covering parts and protecting metal from rusting – especially in winter etc.

If you would like any other information about the current course or to enquire further please do not hesitate to contact Mr Jackson Tel: 9293 6467

Mr Stuart Jackson
Technology and Enterprise Teacher

Literacy Corner

World Challenge Fundraiser

The Big Splash

Our school has chosen to join with others across WA to participate in The Big Splash WA. This is an important, state-wide mental health campaign to raise awareness of child and adolescent mental health.

In the past 5 years alone, the increase in critical cases presenting at our state’s Children’s Hospital has risen by 400%. An estimated 50% of children and adolescents aren’t accessing mental health resources until a serious crisis unfolds. This alarming increase has brought children’s mental health to the forefront of issues needing urgent attention. The ripple effects of a mental health crisis are enormous and we all know the impact on families, school friends and the community can be devastating.

However, early intervention has proven to be very effective. The need to empower our adolescents with the knowledge that: they are not alone; it’s OK to talk about their feelings and concerns; and real help is available. Healthy self-awareness from a young age gives children permission to seek help sooner rather than later.

Our participation in The Big Splash WA gives us access to resource kits, written in age-appropriate language for students across all year groups. They come with comprehensive notes giving teachers and parents a compass to guide adolescents through unchartered waters.

We encourage you to join us in the program by reading the parents notes, which will be made available throughout 2017. These notes are likely to be distributed through the school newsletters.

We will also be welcoming one of The Big Splash WA school dolphin sculptures for our students to name and decorate, providing a fun and vibrant visual vehicle to promote positive conversations about mental health and well-being.

In January 2018 there will be an interactive Dolphin Sculpture Trail in the Perth CBD to highlight the wider community’s support. Over 30 large dolphin sculptures will add an eye-catching splash of colour to the streets and public spaces of the city.

In mid-March our dolphin will be invited to re-join the school pod at The Big Splash WA farewell event. We will have the chance to make our own splash by displaying our decorated dolphin – sending a loud and clear message that mental health awareness and well-being is invaluable to us all.

Mrs Jennifer Edmonds
School Pyschologist

Relationships Australia

Relationships Australia offers a range of family and relationship skills courses and seminars, that are responsive to the needs of the community.

All About Anger – for Parents and Teens

This workshop has been designed to assist families when anger is an issue. Anger is explained in a way that challenges our labelling of “an Angry Person” and instead aims to help participant to understand that many of us have simply learnt to manage the emotion of anger in unhelpful ways. The workshop includes some simple skills to help you respond more positively when anger shows up.

Building Stronger Families

Building and nurturing families can seem a daunting task but it is not mission impossible. This 6 week course is for adults and their children over 10 years – inclusion is the key. Parent and children will learn about cooperation, relating respectfully and solving problems.

Emotion Coaching

Every parent wants to do the best for their child but can often feel overwhelmed. After many decades of research it has been found that one of the most useful skills and awareness a parent can give is emotional intelligence. This means helping their child to recognise what they are feeling and why. This seminar explores the most helpful way of responding to a child to help them to learn how to regulate their own emotions.

Kids and Today’s Technology

This seminar will help parents gain an understanding of today’s technology and the impact on teenagers. Parents will better understand how parenting is facing different challenges as technology evolves. They will also have a better understanding of the advantages and pitfalls of the changes in technology and how to access various solutions.

Parent –Child Connection

Being a parent can be tough. Parents with primary school children are invited to this 4 week course to learn new skills, feel better about their parenting and gain confidence. Topics include:

• Developmental stages of children and temperamental traits.
• Different parenting styles.
• Understanding behaviour patterns and communication.

Parent-Teen Connection

Remember, you were young once. Adolescents can be challenging and living alongside them can be confusing and worrying. This course teaches parents how to communicate, negotiate and minimise conflict.

BOOKINGS AND PAYMENT ESSENTIAL

For further information please call Relationships Australia
Tel: 6164 0200