Issue 1 - 27 February 2019
Newsletter Articles
- Principal’s Report
- Senior School Report
- Year 11 Report
- Year 10 Report
- Middle School Report
- Year 9 Report
- Year 8 Report
- Student Services Report
- Languages Update
- Health, Outdoor and Physical Education
- Science Update
- Want to know about the OLNA?
- Mathematics
- Music
- A message from the Community Health Nurses
- P & C Report
- Act Belong Commit
- Triple P Seminar
Principal’s Report
What a smooth start to the year we have had and 2019 is looking to be an exciting year.
Congratulations to our Class of 2018
Our Year 12s last year performed very well with an overall WACE achievement of 95% (well above both state and like schools). In addition, 100% of our students achieved attainment (ATAR >=55 or Cert II).
In particular, we congratulate Kristiana Pivac who achieved the highest mark in the state for Outdoor Education and was awarded a Subject Exhibition award. Kristiana received her award recently at a special ceremony at the Government House Ballroom, attended by the Governor of WA, the Minister of Education and many other distinguished guests.
Both Kristiana and Chloe Johnson received Subject Certificates of Excellence for Outdoor Education.
Our school was also listed with the highest performing students in Year 12 ATAR courses in Politics and Law and Outdoor Education.
14 of our students received a SCSA Award of Distinction or Merit and many of these students received the Principal’s Award at the end of 2018.
Upgrades to our grounds
We have had an upgrade to our fencing across the back of the school and work is currently happening in our Blue Quad to improve the walkways and garden areas. Both are welcome improvements to our grounds.
Welcome to our new and returning staff
We welcome to our school, Tim Bennett, who is our new HOLA of English, Stefanie Bruder (Technologies – IT), Ian McMullen (Maths and Science) and Leonie Chai (for Debi Craig who is on LSL for Term 1). We also welcome back returning from leave at the end of last year – Carl Stott, Shaharig Shabaziantan, Dave Billing, Susan Archdall and Desi Chapman.
We would especially like to welcome Hazuki Sodejo and Benedetta Prina who are joining us as Language assistants this year in Japanese and Italian. We are very fortunate to have them working with us to enrich the learning for our language students.
First up for the year
At our first assembly, we congratulated all our high performing students from Year 11 and welcomed our Student Leadership team for the year, led by our Head Girl Georgia Luderman and Head Boy Caleb Wright. One of their first official functions was to welcome our Year 12s to their School Ball on 15 February. It was a splendid night and much enjoyed by both staff and students.
Recently our student leaders attended a Leadership camp – run by Mark Pettit and Sharon Andrews, along with the Year Coordinators. The students returned from this short camp bubbling with enthusiasm and full of ideas which we are looking forward to seeing come to fruition throughout the year. One of the great benefits of the camp was how each of the students were able to get to know leaders in other year groups. We are looking forward to this becoming a regular part of our student leadership development over the years. Thank you especially to Mark and Sharon for this great new initiative.
As this goes to print our Year 7 students are also participating in their Values camp. This camp is designed to bring our school values to life through a range of fun activities and provides an opportunity for staff and students to get to know each other a little better. Thank you to all our staff who make this camp such a success and we also look forward to a follow up evening for our Year 7 parents in Week 6.
Contributions and Charges
Thank you to all our parents who have paid these already. It is great to have such support for our students’ education, and encourage all those who have not done so already, to contact the school to finalise their payments as soon as possible. The money collected is used in classrooms to provide resources, printing, equipment and other class materials. If parents are unable to pay the amount up front, we encourage you to contact the Manager of Corporate Services, Jeni Jorritsma to discuss payment plan options.
Best wishes for all our students for a successful year ahead.
Helen Deacon
Principal
Senior School Report
The Senior School students have settled in well for Term 1, especially our Class of 2019 who are quickly coming to terms with the rigor of being in their final year of school. All students will now have their course outlines and will be aware of task and assignment due dates. It is also vital to be very familiar with the updated Senior School Assessment Policy, please take some time to read through, in particular Medical Certificates to be presented if assessments, tests, exams or deadlines are missed.
Our Year 10, 11 and 12 students will participate in some workshops to provide them with essential skills to support them in achieving the best results possible. These workshops will cover relevant WACE information, skills for productive study and preparation of a study plan that fits each individual, time and stress management.
Our Year 12 Masquerade Ball was held in February at the Rendezvous and was a wonderful night filled with elegance, dancing, pictures and entertainment. I would like to thank the Ball Committee and Emma Dunstan for planning the night, and also to the teachers who were able to come along on this most memorable night.
Please be advised OLNA testing is happening in Term 1 and a number of our Year 10, 11 and 12 students may be required to sit any of the three tests. It is important to remember students will have to pass the OLNA in order to achieve their WACE. We have a support program and specialist teachers to work with those students needing to pass the OLNA.
I would like to remind everyone that Senior School is one of the most demanding times of students’ lives, so as well as working to the best of their ability, it is also important to have a good life balance, including strategies to relieve some stress or pressure. It is extremely important to be both mentally and physically healthy to best cope with the demands of Senior School. I am also able to source additional information regarding universities and revision courses, which I will put on Connect whenever available. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further assistance.
Listed below are the worthy winners of the 2018 Course Awards in Year 11, congratulations to all.
COURSE AWARDS 2018 |
||
The Arts |
||
Year 11 ATAR Visual Arts |
Charlotte Eden |
Dux |
Year 11 GENERAL Dance |
Ebony Kirkup |
Dux |
Year 11 GENERAL Dance |
Ellie Van Kwawegen |
Dux |
Year 11 GENERAL Media Production & Analysis |
Olivia Nanut |
Dux |
Year 11 GENERAL Fashion Design |
Lily De Saran |
Dux |
Year 11 GENERAL Visual Arts |
Amy Cummings |
Dux |
Year 11 GENERAL Drama |
Sarah Hue’ge de Serville |
Top Student |
Year 11 GENERAL Design Photography |
Abigail Leybourne |
Dux |
Humanities and Social Sciences |
||
Year 11 ATAR Modern History |
Charlotte Eden |
Top Student |
Year 11 ATAR Politics and Law |
Mikhaila Hernan |
Top Student |
Year 11 ATAR Psychology |
Olivia Trimboli |
Dux |
Year 11 GENERAL Career and Enterprise |
Fabian Evans |
Dux |
Year 11 ATAR Geography |
Hannah Croysdill |
Top Student |
Year 11 GENERAL Modern History |
Amy Cummings |
Top Student |
Mathematics |
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Year 11 GENERAL Mathematics Essential |
Riona Mann |
Dux |
Year 11 ATAR Mathematics Applications |
Hannah Croysdill |
Dux |
Year 11 ATAR Mathematics Methods |
Olivia Trimboli |
Dux |
Year 11 ATAR Mathematics Specialist |
Madelyn Duff |
Top Student |
Year 11 FOUNDATIONS Mathematics |
Nathan Taylor |
Top Student |
English |
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Year 11 ATAR English |
Olivia Trimboli |
Dux |
Year 11 GENERAL English |
Kaitlyn Braid |
Dux |
Year 11 ATAR Literature |
Charlotte Eden |
Top Student |
Year 11 FOUNDATIONS English |
Angela Cooper |
Top Student |
Technology and Enterprise |
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Year 11 GENERAL Design (Technical Drawing) |
Anderson (Mhel) Moster |
Dux |
Year 11 GENERAL Materials Design Technology – Wood |
Maxwell McLean |
Top |
Year 11 GENERAL Applied Information & Technology |
Brendan Cranfield |
Dux |
Year 11 GENERAL Food Science Technology |
Emily Adams |
Dux |
Year 11 GENERAL Food Science Technology |
Michael Haigh |
Dux |
Year 11 GENERAL Children, Family & Community |
Emily Adams |
Dux |
Year 11 GENERAL Materials Design Technology – Metal |
Madelyn Duff |
Dux |
Year 11 GENERAL Materials Design Technology – Textiles |
Michael Haigh |
Dux |
Science |
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Year 11 ATAR Physics |
Madelyn Duff |
Dux |
Year 11 ATAR Chemistry |
Olivia Trimboli |
Dux |
Year 11 ATAR Human Biology |
Ruby Austin |
Dux |
Year 11 ATAR Biology |
Selina Hutcheon |
Top Student |
Year 11 GENERAL Human Biology |
Pierce Zlaman |
Dux |
Health and Physical Education |
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Year 11 ATAR Health Studies |
Kateryna (Katherine) Chyzhma |
Dux |
Year 11 ATAR Physical Education Studies |
Olivia Caubo |
Top Student |
Year 11 GENERAL Physical Education Studies |
Jade Mann |
Top Student |
Year 11 GENERAL Health Studies |
Jade Mann |
Dux |
Dux |
Olivia Trimboli |
Sharon Andrews
Head of Senior School
Year 11 Report
Welcome back to school for 2019! Welcome to all our new students and families. I hope you had an enjoyable school break and that you are looking forward to begin a new school year.
Year 11 brings along with it many challenges. At our first Year 11 Assembly in Week 1, I explained to students that they need a good life balance with study, exercise, socialising and eating well. It is important for them to prioritise their physical and mental health over the next two years. There will be an increase in the amount of homework and assignments. Good time management and organisational skills become critical for students to make sure they keep on top of their studies and hand assessments in on time.
Friday Meeting Period
Year 11 students are allocated one period a week on Friday mornings to support their individual course needs. Students will meet with a teacher during this period where they can seek advice and help with regards to their studies and any career pathway questions. These periods are compulsory and students are expected to attend.
Attendance
Whilst we understand that some absences are unavoidable, regular attendance is important to ensure your child has the best possible opportunity to succeed. We have a few students coming late to school, arriving late to class or taking holidays during the school term. Being on time and having an attendance percentage above 90% are important to achieve and will ensure your child maintains their Good Standing. The Good Standing criteria is listed in detail in the student planner, but attendance, uniform and behaviour are all important aspects to success. If your child is away during an assessment, a doctor’s certificate will be needed. The Student Planners also have some great information in them to help with time management and study skills, to name a few areas.
Thank you parents/carers for your support at the beginning of the school year - it means a lot to school staff when students are prepared for learning each day. When students get enough sleep, have their books and equipment and have healthy food to eat, it keeps them functioning at their best. It also makes our day, and your child’s, so much easier to tackle when they’re on time to school and also wearing their school uniform correctly.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me, your child’s Mentor Teacher or Class Teacher if you have any questions.
nicole.Sijka@education.wa.edu.au
Nicole Sijka
Year 11 Coordinator
Year 10 Report
To all families, new and returning, welcome to the 2019 school year! Not only is this a new school year, but for the Year 10 cohort, this is also the first time that they are returning as Senior School students. I am delighted to be moving through from Middle School to Senior School with the cohort and have been pleased with how well they are settling in so far. There is an evident pride in their new place within the school community and many students have already been displaying a stronger sense of responsibility in their approach.
In terms of upcoming events for our Year 10 students, the first major item on the calendar is Round One of OLNA. This will take place in Weeks 5-6, with catch ups taking place in Week 7. Those students who are required to participate will have already been notified but should you have any queries regarding this please get in touch with either their class teacher or myself.
Although all years of schooling have importance, Year 10 is a particularly pivotal point. This year will hold many choices and challenges that will begin to shape the pathways of the future. It is important that students get off to a good start, consider their choices as they continue through the year, and seek advice and support when needed.
Finally, I would like to wish you all a positive and productive start to the year and look forward to sharing in the successes, achievements, and learning experiences of our students during the year to come.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your child, please do not hesitate to contact me. Karen.stuart@education.wa.edu.au
Karen Stuart
Year 10 Coordinator
Middle School Report
Now that we are all back in the routine of school I want to say a huge thank you to all of the staff who have helped settle everyone back down and start the year off in a positive manner. From my perspective, there are some key people that I want to introduce and they are the Mentor Teachers for Years 7 to 9.
Year 7 Coordinator: Susan Archdall
MG7.01AE |
Amber Bullock |
MG7.02 |
Rob Roper |
MG7.03 |
Andrew Smith |
MG7.04 |
Victoria Thornton |
MG7.05 |
Alice Hall |
MG7.06 |
Emma Constable |
MG7.07 |
Lea Richards |
MG7.08 |
Jade Smalpage |
Year 8 Coordinator: Ashley Meaden
MG8.01AE |
Phil Henderson |
MG8.02 |
Dave Billing |
MG8.03 |
Jeff Cameron |
MG8.04 |
Leonie Chai (Term 1) Debi Craig (Term 2-4) |
MG8.05 |
Emma Dunstan |
MG8.06 AE2 |
Matt Millan |
MG8.07 |
Ian McMullen |
MG8.08 |
John Eden |
MG8.09 |
Mary Murphy |
MG8.10 |
Melvina Phillips |
MG8.11 |
Rachel Richards |
MG8.01AE |
Phil Henderson |
MG8.02 |
Dave Billing |
MG8.03 |
Jeff Cameron |
MG8.04 |
Leonie Chai (Term 1) Debi Craig (Term 2-4) |
MG8.05 |
Emma Dunstan |
MG8.06 AE2 |
Matt Millan |
MG8.07 |
Ian McMullen |
MG8.08 |
John Eden |
MG8.09 |
Mary Murphy |
MG8.10 |
Melvina Phillips |
MG8.11 |
Rachel Richards |
Year 9 Coordinator: Laura Cheetham
MG9.01AE |
Jeremy Wittber, Helen Deacon |
MG9.02 |
Alicia Matrakis, Liz Arcaro |
MG9.03 |
Aundraea Stevens |
MG9.04 |
Sarah Adams |
MG9.05 |
Marcus Roberts, Michelle Vivian |
MG9.06 |
Geoff Sloan |
MG9.07 |
Greg Forrest |
MG9.08 |
Rosie Martin |
MG9.09 |
Orietta Stokes |
If you have an issue or question then the first person to contact would be the Mentor Teacher as they see the student at the start of each day. An email or entry into their planner is the easiest and quickest way for you to make contact. The Mentor Teacher can then ensure that the information is passed on to the correct person.
Student Leaders
Congratulations to all of our Student Leaders for 2019. In Week 2 we went on a Planning and Leadership Camp. The students are all really keen to embrace their positions and make a real contribution to our school community.
Attendance
If your child is going to be absent from school or has been absent then please contact our Absentee Officer, Mrs Colleen Hockley. Students who miss school place themselves at educational risk and for prolonged authorised absences there may be something that we can do to ensure that the impact on learning is lessened. When you send in your absence we also need to know the reason. Saying your child is at home is not an explanation. Saying they are “home sick” is acceptable but failing to provide a valid reason means they will be marked as an unexplained absence. If you have any questions then please contact Mrs Hockley on 9293 6409.
Just in closing please stay in touch with your child’s teachers as high school is a partnership. We need and want your input on how things are travelling so please do not ever be afraid to contact us by emailing kalamunda.shs@education.wa.edu.au and your email will be forwarded to the relevant staff member.
Mark Pettit
Head of Middle School
Year 9 Report
Welcome back to the new school year. We are already off to a good start and the term is beginning to get very busy. There are many opportunities for the Year 9 students to be part of the Kalamunda Community including the upcoming Swimming Carnival. I encourage all students to continue to involve themselves in our community and display our school values to receive points for their Houses.
This year is an important year with students completing NAPLAN Online. I would like to encourage all students with BYOD to bring them to school and use them within your classes. This is important as throughout the year regular ICT updates are rolled out. This will help your device connect easily to our network and you will be able to use the resources successfully.
Furthermore, NAPLAN Online has the capacity to be run on your own device. This will be a benefit to those students with their own device as they will be very familiar with the functionality and this should ease some of the stress. NAPLAN is important as students who receive band 8 or higher in the test will not have to meet the additional requirement of OLNA. OLNA is an online literacy and numeracy test which is a requirement in order for students to receive their WA Certificate of Education at the end of Year 12.
If you have any queries or concerns please feel free to contact me. The best form of communication is via email at laura.cheetham@education.wa.edu.au
Laura Cheetham
Year 9 Coordinator
Year 8 Report
Welcome to Kalamunda Senior High School for 2019
As the new Year 8 Coordinator I have the responsibility and great honour of guiding all Year 8 students through until Year 11. I met the majority of the student cohort at their Year 7 Reward Day at the end of last year. It is very pleasing to see all the familiar faces returning to the school and embracing Year 8 and the school values of Respect, Resilience, Community, Love of Learning and Pride. I am proud to say that the majority of school students have been very welcoming as have the parents I have spoken to thus far – all your support and communication is vital and very much welcomed!
Year 8 is a very rewarding year and for some a brand new start to their high school career. As students are now integrated throughout the main school – there may be a period of adjustment. I am here to support this transition as best as possible and I promote an open-door policy of communication to support student well-being. I recommend that students try their best to make positive social and academic choices and to reach out to their classroom teachers. I believe that most issues can be resolved with communication. Remember – one bad moment does not have to turn into one bad week.
In order to create safe environments across the school I recommend the reading of the Mobile Phone Policy which can be found on the school’s website. Mobile phones are not permitted and if students do bring them, they should be kept on silent or turned off and not to be seen once students come on to school grounds. In order for this policy to work we do need your support as a parent, guardian and/or carer and the student to be aware of the consequences. Teachers are also making an effort to be vigilant so that we can support students resist social media distractions and bullying.
I am pleased to say we have organised a number of events to engage the Year 8 cohort this year. Some of these may be academic, some may be team building and well-being related and some may be to reward Year 8 students for simply coming to school in uniform, not using their phone and attending class.
A sample of what is scheduled for this semester:
- Swimming Carnival
- Year 8 PIAF Writers Schools Day and Write a Book in a Day
- Year 8 Geography excursion
- Year 8 Bibbulmun Challenge
- Year 8 Murdoch University excursion
- Year 8 Big Science Competition
- Year 8 Armed for Life (well-being)
- KPA Showcase
- Year 8 Rewards Day
Lastly, I would like to wish everyone a productive and safe year. As we are all part of the same school community I look forward to meeting you during the year and building positive relationships.
Enjoy the new year!
“Live long and prosper” – Spock (Star Trek)
Ashley Meaden
Year 8 Coordinator
Student Services Report
Welcome to all new staff and students for 2019. It has been a wonderful start to the year and I would like to thank all staff, students and parents for assisting with this. All students have been welcomed back with a Whole School Assembly to introduce the new student Leadership Group and to celebrate the Year 11 Semester 2 achievements.
I would like to introduce the Student Services team for 2019 and please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns or issues.
Student Services Team
Manager Student Services |
Amanda Morton |
Head of Senior School |
Sharon Andrews |
Head of Middle School |
Mark Pettit |
Year 11 Coordinator |
Nicole Sijka |
Year 10 Coordinator |
Karen Stuart |
Year 9 Coordinator |
Laura Cheetham |
Year 8 Coordinator |
Ashley Meaden |
Year 7 Coordinator |
Susan Archdall |
School Psychologist |
Jenny Edmonds |
School Chaplain |
Desi Chapman |
School Nurse |
Louise Jonker |
School Attendance Officer |
Colleen Hockley |
Celebrating Semester Two Achievements
Our final assembly for 2019 was an opportunity to celebrate students who excelled through the semester and maintained 100% attendance. Congratulations to all the winners.
100% Attendance Award Winners for 2018
Year |
Name |
Year 7 |
William Dewrance, Sharlini Hollier, Mia Hickson, Siobhan Sudholz, Kenneth Veso, Chloe Ward |
Year 8 |
Nannette Aubyn, Marcus Barry, Rohan Harwood |
Year 9 |
Kelsey Sieczka |
Year 10 |
Jeremy Aubyn, Saskia Blake, Hannah Harwood, Brennan Nairn, Callum Scobbie |
Year 11 |
Selina Hutcheon, Alex Murray |
Advanced Good Standing Winners 2018
Year |
Name |
Year 9 |
Sophie Catchpole, Charlotte McCullen, Jewel Pivac, Sylvia Veale |
Year 11 |
Olivia Trimboli, Maddy Duff, Olivia Caubo, Kateryna Chyzhma |
Commendation Awards 2018
Bronze Commendation |
|
Year 7 |
Lucy Croysdill, Lilli Franklyn, Femi Tailor, Lily Bean, Alyse Todd, Ethan Thomas, Jordielea Van Bruchem, Dominic Underwood, Keshi Bertina, Kobe Della Favory, Declan Cowin, Mackenzie Coupland |
Year 8 |
Coen Trent, Brooke Rehorst, Luna Bonder, Bryce Warwick, Jasmin Dunster, Ryan Watson, Isabella Dunlop, Darcy Bennett, Ivy Armenti, Nannette Aubyn, Ffion Baines, Samantha Donaldson |
Year 9 |
Cindi Fox, Ralph Arroyo, Sophie Ries, Chloe Corfe, Jewel Pivac, Rohan McCallion, Macey Goddard, Alethea Johnson |
Year 10 |
Naomi Taylor, Olivia Mazzucchelli, Brennan Nairn, Patrick O’Reilly, Jennae Hue’ge de Serville, Olivia Spencer, Adrian Cowin, Benjamin Taylor, Kaiya Mouritz, Ruby Ireland |
Silver Commendation |
|
Year 7 |
Chloe Ward, Livy Bowden, James Brisbane, Brigitte Kostas, Mikayla Lanigan, Isabella Harris, Steven Longa |
Year 8 |
Mhel Jayson Moster, Rohan Harwood, Alice Baker, Oscar Cleverley, Stella Pryde, Isaac Boughton |
Year 9 |
Lance Ocampo, Aimee Bowers, Indiana Shailes, Megan Minett, Blake Jelancic |
Year 10 |
Phornchita Sullivan, Brodie Fowler, Grace Goodlet, Matthew Roberts, Nikola Takac, Mika Berman |
Gold Commendation |
|
Year 7 |
Cohen Dietsch, Breeze Swann |
Year 8 |
Sharli Ogg, Saige Lawler |
Year 9 |
Hayleigh Kerr, Elise Thom |
Year 10 |
Chamoda Idamgedara, Louisa Sieczka |
Final Assembly Winners 2018
Award |
Winner |
Matthew Hughes Citizenship Award |
Jennae Hue’ge de Serville |
Samantha Rowe Citizenship Award |
Ruby Ireland |
John Owen Incentive Award |
Brittany Johnson |
Steilberger Literary Award |
Kaiya Mouritz Taylor Duncan |
Steilberger Music Award |
Annalise Stevens |
ADF Long Tan Award |
Chamoda Idamgedara |
Sportsperson Award |
Year 7: Aidan Dobbleman Year 8: Saige Lawler Year 9: Savannah Coupland Year 10: Luke De Luis |
Outdoor Ed Award |
Year 7: Noah Gowland Year 8: Anika Zonta Albios Year 9: Kelsey Sieczka Year 10: Brennan Nairn |
Dux Awards: |
Year 7: Ari Davidson Year 8: Saige Lawler Year 9: Rohan McCallion Year 10: Chamoda Idamgedara |
Kalamunda Lions Club Citizenship Award: |
Year 7: Talia Hobson Year 8: Alice Baker Year 9: Bailey Burden |
Amanda Morton
Manager Student Services
Languages Update
Welcome Benedetta and Hazuki!
This year, we are proud to announce our new Language Assistants from Italy and Japan. Benedetta and Hazuki will be teaching and supporting Language classes for one year. As a Lead Language school we are very happy to be collaborating with them. Hazuki will be working at both Kalamunda SHS and Perth Modern School. Networking with Perth Modern School will enable the Languages Department at Kalamunda SHS to establish a positive partnership and create even more learning opportunities for our students. Benedetta will also be working at our feeder schools, Maida Vale PS and Walliston PS. Having a strong connection with our feeder primary schools will motivate our future students to learn foreign languages and look forward to a happy future at Kalamunda SHS.
Kalamunda SHS wishes you both a very successful year!
Maria Pennington
Teacher in Charge of Languages
Let us remember: Why study Languages?
- Foreign Language study creates more positive attitudes and less prejudice toward people who are different.
- Analytical skills improve when students study a foreign language.
- Business skills plus foreign language skills make an employee more valuable in the marketplace.
- Dealing with another culture enables people to gain a more profound understanding of their own culture.
- Creativity is increased with the study of foreign languages.
- Graduates often cite foreign language courses as some of the most valuable courses in college because of the communication skills developed in the process.
- International travel is made easier and more pleasant through knowing a foreign language.
- Skills like problem solving, dealing with abstract concepts, are increased when you study a foreign language.
- Foreign language study enhances one’s opportunities in government, business, medicine, law, technology, military, industry, marketing, etc.
- A second language improves your skills and grades in maths and English
- Foreign languages provide a competitive edge in career choices: one is able to communicate in a second language.
- Foreign language study enhances listening skills and memory.
- One participates more effectively and responsibly in a multi-cultural world if one knows another language.
- Your marketable skills in the global economy are improved if you master another language.
- Foreign language study offers a sense of the past: culturally and linguistically.
- The study of a foreign tongue improves the knowledge of one’s own language: English vocabulary skills increase.
- The study of foreign languages teaches and encourages respect for other peoples: it fosters an understanding of the interrelation of language and human nature.
- Foreign languages expand one’s view of the world, liberalise one’s experiences, and make one more flexible and tolerant.
- Foreign languages expand one’s world view and limit the barriers between people: barriers cause distrust and fear.
- Foreign language study leads to an appreciation of cultural diversity.
- As immigration increases we need to prepare for changes in Australian society.
- One is at a distinct advantage in the global market if one is as bilingual as possible.
- Foreign languages open the door to art, music, dance, fashion, cuisine, film, philosophy and science.
- Foreign language study is simply part of a very basic liberal education: to “educate” is to lead out, to lead out of confinement and narrowness and darkness.
Italian
Mi chiamo Benedetta, ho venticinque anni e sono italiana. Vengo dal nord d'Italia, precisamente da Biella, in Piemonte.
Ho studiato lingue e insegnamento dell'italiano a stranieri. Ho vissuto in Norvegia, Stati Uniti e Grecia. Parlo italiano, inglese, spagnolo e francese. Le cose che mi hanno maggiormente aiutata ad imparare una lingua straniera sono stati i film, le serie tv e la musica.
Amo viaggiare, scrivere, cucire e cucinare.
Tanti mi dicono che sono coraggiosa a partire, ma per me è soprattutto curiosità e voglia di vedere il mondo da un'altra prospettiva.
Le cose che mi mancheranno dell'Italia sono la mia famiglia, i miei gatti e gli agnolotti fatti in casa.
My name is Benedetta, I am 25 years old and I'm Italian. I'm from Biella, a town in the north-west of Italy, in Piedmont.
I studied foreign languages and teaching Italian to foreigners. In the past five years, I lived in Norway, United States and Greece. My first language is Italian but I also speak English, Spanish and French. Something that really helped me to learn a foreign language was watching movies, TV series and listening to music in the original language.
I love travelling, writing, sewing and cooking.
Many people told me that I'm brave to leave and to go to another country, so far away from home. But I don't think I'm brave: I think I'm just curious and that I needed to see the world from another perspective.
A few things I'm going to miss about Italy: my family, my cats and homemade agnolotti.
What’s happening in Italian?
Year 7 |
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Year 8 |
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Year 9 |
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Year 10 |
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Year 11 |
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Year 12 |
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Japanese
はじめまして。わたしはそでじょうはづきです。にほんじんです。Nice to meet you everyone. I am Hazuki Sodejo, Japanese language assistant from Japan. I am very honored to work for Kalamunda SHS this year. Let me introduce myself a bit more. There are 7 people in my family including me. My father, mother, elder brother, younger brother, grandfather and grandmother (If you are Year 8 or older and taking Japanese, you can say those family members in Japanese! Please try it!). All of them are curious about my life here. Every time we have face time, I tell them about great nature, great food and how kind people are here in Australia.
Nice to meet you everyone. I am Hazuki Sodejo, Japanese language assistant from Japan. I am very honored to work for Kalamunda SHS this year. Let me introduce myself a bit more. There are 7 people in my family including me. My father, mother, elder brother, younger brother, grandfather and grandmother (If you are Year 8 or older and taking Japanese, you can say those family members in Japanese! Please try it!). All of them are curious about my life here. Every time we have face time, I tell them about great nature, great food and how kind people are here in Australia.
I am from Aomori in Japan which is the very north of Japan. That means summer is short and cool and winter is long and extremely freezing. Now I am trying hard to get used to this hot temperature here.
I like movies, short hiking, handcrafting, cooking and travelling. There are many Japanese cultural things I would like to share and experience together. Also, there are many Australian cultures I would like to experience this year. Vegemite is one of the them and I tried it. Now it is my favourite food!
I have been studying English as a second language for a long time, so I understand the uncomfortable feeling when you speak foreign language especially with native speakers. I still feel it myself actually. However, let us talk to each other with understanding but without embarrassment so that we can enjoy having a communication and find a reason why we study a second language. どうぞよろしく!
Japanese Club
Kalamunda Senior High School is so lucky to have Hazuki Sodejo joining us this year, to support the learning of our very keen and dedicated Japanese learners. Hazuki sensei will join us on Mondays and Tuesdays, and attends Perth Modern from Wednesday to Friday. In order for all of the students studying Japanese to meet and talk with Hazuki sensei, the students have formed a Japanese Club, with Hannah Watson (Year 11) taking the role of President. The Japanese Club meets on Mondays at lunchtime – currently in T1, but due to the huge response, we may have to move to a larger room! We have a number of big plans for the Japanese program at Kalamunda SHS – so watch this space!
Maguire Sensei
Japanese Teacher
Health, Outdoor and Physical Education
Welcome to the Health, Outdoor and Physical Education learning area for 2019
It is my pleasure to introduce the Learning Area staff for this year.
Staff Member |
Role |
Dale Watson |
Head of Learning Area, Outdoor Adventure Program Coordinator |
Melvina Phillips |
Senior Teacher |
Carl Stott |
Senior Teacher, Careers Coordinator |
Jeff Cameron |
Senior Teacher |
Mark Humphreys |
Teacher |
Greg Forrest |
Teacher |
Alice Hall |
Teacher |
Erica Langenberg |
Teacher |
Cheney Armstrong |
Teacher |
2018 was a great year with all the usual events, excursions and expeditions and produced some great results. Congratulations to the Year 12 ATAR students and teachers who gained a subject award for their ATAR results in Outdoor Education and to Kristiana Pivac for her Subject Exhibition Award also in Outdoor Education.
Term 1 Important Dates
19 Februay |
Swimming Carnival sign up during mentor |
28 February |
House Swimming Carnival – Kalamunda Water Park |
20 March |
Interschool Swimming Carnival – Challenge Stadium |
9 April |
Year 8 Lightning Carnival |
Dale Watson
Head of Learning Area Health, Outdoor and Physical Education
Science Update
Welcome Back for 2019
Another year has launched for us all and it has not taken long for interest levels to be raised in Biology 11.
Our class used slaters to practice the Scientific Method, devising an investigation testing whether slaters are responding to moisture or to light when they scurry away.
This proved a little harder than anticipated (just ask Taylor, Maddy, Hayley, or Shakaya) with the slaters proving to be less than cooperative in the lab, leading to some hasty revision of game plans.
But that’s Science for you…
Mission Discovery 2019 For Years 7 To 10
Would you like to work with a NASA astronaut, NASA leaders and space scientists?
This 5 day program running in the mid-year holidays at Curtin University lets you take on the role of a research scientist and work with a team on a science project.
Your mission is to create an experiment which will be carried out in space. The design of the winning team will be built by NASA, launched to the International Space Station (ISS) and actually carried out in space by the astronauts!
Costing: $721 plus GST
See Mr. Pound for further details and an application form.
https://latitudegrouptravel.com.au/special-programs/mission-discovery/perth2019/
Lindesay Pound
Science
Want to know about the OLNA?
Some students in Years 10, 11 and 12 are about to sit the OLNA. You may have heard about it, but are not sure what it means for your child.
OLNA stands for the Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment. In order to demonstrate the required literacy and numeracy standards for the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), some students are expected to sit this assessment. The School Curriculum and Standards Authority (Authority) awards the WACE at the end of Year 12 to students who have met all the requirements. You can find more about the requirements on the Authority website at the link below under Years 11 and 12 - The WACE - WACE Requirements.
http://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/
Some students prequalify for the literacy and numeracy requirement through their performance in the Year 9 NAPLAN test. We will inform you whether your child needs to the sit the OLNA, which is held in March and September each year, starting in Year 10. This means students will have up to six opportunities before the end of Year 12 to meet the requirement.
The OLNA has three components—reading, writing and numeracy. The reading and numeracy components comprise 45 multiple‐choice questions; the writing component is an extended response of up to 600 words. Students are allowed 50 minutes for the reading and numeracy components and 60 minutes for the writing. The table below provides an overview of the components.
Numeracy |
Reading |
Writing |
|
Number of Questions |
45 |
1 (600 word limit) |
|
Question Type |
Multiple Choice |
Open-ended |
|
Mode |
Online point and click |
Typed online |
|
Time |
50 minutes |
60 minutes |
|
Delivery |
Randomised forms |
Randomised forms |
|
Adjustment |
Extra time, pause, coloured background and higher quality images |
To prepare our students for the types of questions they can expect and to familiarise them with the online assessment platform, we provide access to practice and example tests on a secure website. The link to the secure website for the practice and example tests is available on the Authority website, at the link below, under Years 11 and 12 - Assessment - OLNA - Practice and Example Tests.
http://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/
For students with disability, we have guidelines to help determine the appropriate adjustments for equal access. Information about disability adjustments is available on the Authority website under Years 11 and 12 - Assessment - Disability Adjustment Guidelines
Students who do not demonstrate the literacy and numeracy standard by the time they exit senior secondary schooling can apply to the Authority to re-sit the OLNA at any age.
If you want to know more, go to the Authority’s website and look under Years 11 and 12 - Assessment - OLNA. There you will find more information, answers to frequently asked questions and a brief video. You can also send questions to olna@scsa.wa.edu.au .
Mathematics
Welcome to the Mathematics learning area for 2019. I would like to introduce the Mathematics staff for 2019.
Jessica Millar |
Head of Learning Area |
Amber Bullock |
Year 7 Teacher |
Rob Roper |
Year 7 Teacher – Level 3 Teacher |
Andrew Smith |
Year 7 Teacher |
Victoria Thornton |
Year 7 Teacher |
Debbie Yeoh |
Senior Teacher |
Leonie Chai |
Teacher |
Nicole Sijka |
Senior Teacher |
Sue Boase |
Teacher |
Alanna Webb |
Senior Teacher |
Ian McMullen |
Teacher |
Vanessa Barrable |
Teacher |
With a great start to the year so far, we have high expectations for students in Mathematics for 2019. After a few ‘get to know you’ activities, students have now jumped straight into their learning programs and are working towards their first assessment. Please use Connect to access the learning programs for the year and keep up to date with learning targets and assessment dates.
Students have login access to the link below for 2019. If students don’t know their login details, please ask their classroom teacher.
Maths homework club continues again this year on Wednesday afternoons from 3pm-4pm in A5.
If you have any questions or queries regarding your child’s learning program and progress, please feel free to contact their classroom teacher or the Head of Learning Area throughout the year.
https://mathspace.co/au
Jessica Millar
Mathematics Head of Learning Area.
Music
2019 is shaping up to be another exciting year for music. I have outlined a summary of lesson protocols for new and existing music students so please ensure everyone is following the same format.
- Check for their time EACH week on the notice board outside of Music. This will be a new time each week as the lessons rotate. This is to ensure lessons don’t clash with the same school subjects every week. Depending on how many students are on their instrument, depends on the scope of rotation. Students are expected to catch up on any work missed in lessons they have left for IMSS each week.
- Students are to tell their class teacher at the START of their class that they will have to leave at a certain time for their music lesson. Then politely ask to leave approx. 5 minutess before the start of said music lesson.
- Students are to sign out at Student Services for Music Lessons. Student Services are aware and expect this to happen.
- Students come and find their IMSS teacher in the music department for their lesson.
- Students are to return to their class after the lesson has finished.
If a student cannot make a lesson:
- Students are usually given their teacher’s contact details when they meet them.
- Communication from parents is through the Music Journal.
- Please email and contact the teacher before the day of the lesson so that they are aware of a student’s absence.
- Some teachers really appreciate a text or email, but do not like to be left waiting for half an hour without knowledge of an absence.
Lesson Days
Monday |
Percussion, Clarinet/Saxophone, Oboe/Bassoon |
Tuesday |
Flute, Brass, Classical Guitar |
Wednesday |
Contemporary Guitar, Clarinet/Saxophone |
Thursday |
Singing |
Friday |
Cello, Violin, Viola, Double Bass |
Monday 7.45am |
Percussion Ensemble |
Percussion Students |
Monday 3-4pm |
Junior Band |
All Year 7-8 Woodwind, Brass, percussion |
Tuesday 7.45am. |
Junior Guitar Ensemble |
All year 7 Classical Guitar students |
Tuesday 3-4.30pm |
Senior Band |
For more advanced players |
Wednesday 7.45am |
Senior Guitar Ensemble |
For more advanced players |
Wednesday 7.45am |
Contemporary Guitar |
Contemporary Guitar/Bass students |
Thursday 7.45am |
Choir |
All vocal students plus other keen |
Thursday 3-3.30pm |
Accapella Choir |
Selected older students |
Friday 7.45am |
String Ensemble |
All String players Years 7-12 |
Marcus Roberts
Director of Music
A message from the Community Health Nurses
Year 7 and 8 immunisation program
The Department of Health is offering a free immunisation program for years 7 and 8 students. The program offers a booster dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (dTpa) vaccine, and a vaccine for protection against human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV vaccine provides wide protection against genital warts and some cancers in two doses. Students in year 7 and 8 will receive an information pack in Term 1 containing details of the program and a consent form for parents to sign. Parents must sign and return the consent form for their children to participate in this free program.
http://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/immunisation
Year 10 Immunisation program
The Department of Health is offering a free, one dose, meningococcal ACWY immunisation program for year 10 students. Students in year 10 will receive an information pack in Term 1 containing details of the program and a consent form for parents to sign. Parents must sign and return the consent form for their children to participate in program.
http://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/immunisation
P & C Report
P & C Facts
Did you know that the P & C:
- Represents the students and parents of Kalamunda Senior High School and Kalamunda Secondary Education Support Centre?
- Meetings are attended by the Principals of KSHS and KSESC who report on school activities, provide background on school decisions, discuss ideas and hear feedback?
- Meetings discuss a wide variety of issues like school communication, excursions, transport, building issues or anything that is important for students and of concern to parents?
- Feedback has helped with changes to the way subjects are chosen for year 11 & 12?
- Operates the school canteen providing over 40 000 items of food and drink a year?
- Has supported the sports day with the setup and sausage sizzle stall for the last 3 years?
- Welcomes kids to the meetings if 'kidsitters' are in short supply?
- Only meets twice a term – Tuesday evening in Weeks 3 & 7 at 6.30pm in the staff room?
Attending a P & C meeting will give you a much greater understanding on what makes the school tick, allow you to provide feedback to the school on how it’s working and suggestions for improvement, and gives you the opportunity to meet other parents.
The first P & C meeting for the year was held on February 19. After a comprehensive update from the Principals of KSHS and KSECS we looked to the future and hope to work on KSHS 60th anniversary in 2020, infrastructure improvements, improved communication and parent participation and consolidate changes to the Canteen.
Canteen
Running the canteen is an important role for the P & C and a significant financial responsibility. The P & C invested in new stoves and ovens which were installed over the summer break to continue making great food on-site. Our canteen manager Nicole and her talented staff and volunteers can’t wait to get cooking!
In order to provide good food at a reasonable price the Canteen relies on volunteers. One of our volunteers has been helping for 30 years, another is a professional chef who trained in Michelin star kitchens. Can you help?
How to be involved
Sometimes when the kids reach high school it's hard to know how to stay involved in their education. We have a few ideas – come to the P & C meetings; volunteer at the canteen (you can set the hours to suit you); join MusiKal – the parent group that helps with the Music department or ArtyKal – the parent group that helps with the Art department. Find MusiKal on facebook and contact ArtyKal at artykal6076@gmail.com .
AGM
The next P & C meeting is on Tuesday 19 March 2019 - Week 7 and is our AGM. You could nominate for a position on the P & C or just come along! We need a quorum of 10 for a ‘legal meeting’ – and without a functioning P & C there can be no school canteen. This year our goal is to have at least one family representative from each year attend the P & C. That will help provide the best range of feedback to the schools and help inform the P & C about what it can do to help KSHS and KSESC students. The AGM nomination forms and agenda are attached.
Contact us
If you would like more information or would like to volunteer please contact P & C President Maurice Cammack at kshspc.president@gmail.com; Vice president Phil Gray at kalamundashs.pc.vicepresident@gmail.com or Secretary Sharon Nairn at kshspc.secretary@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you.
Act Belong Commit
Act-Belong-Commit were able to source new funding for the Mentally Healthy Schools Program from the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation. This is great news for Kalamunda SHS as we are now able to continue our involvement with the program and continue to access great resources to promote the Act-Belong-Commit message.
The message is simple:
Keeping mentally and physically active, having good friends and helping others or learning new things not only builds self-esteem and confidence but it also can reduce stress and increase resilience against mental health problems.
The school is committed to helping all students maintain positive mental health and develop a strong sense of resilience, utilising the Act-Belong-Commit message. Throughout the year we run mental health expo’s, mental health weeks where we encourage students to participate in activities that support their mental health. Additionally, we will provide tips and strategies in each newsletter throughout the year to help families stay mentally healthy. More information regarding Act-Belong-Commit can be found at
https://www.actbelongcommit.org.au/
A random act of kindness each day can boost your happiness
It’s as simple as helping your sibling with their homework, to letting someone in front of you in a queue, donating your old books to a library, holding the door for someone or picking up litter from the street.
For more kindness ideas go to the link below.
http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/
Triple P Seminar
Just as parents start to get the hang of parenting their children, the children turn into teenagers and it becomes a whole new ball game!
One of the major challenges for parents of teenagers is knowing how to encourage them to develop the skills they need to be independent and responsible.
This can sometimes be a difficult time for young people and their parents.
Triple P offers a series of 3 seminars aimed at providing parents support and strategies to make this transition into adolescence as smooth as possible.
First seminar - strategies to
manage the change within the home
Second seminar - how to help your teenager make
the most of their time at school
Third seminar - ways to encourage your teenager
to become connected with the wider community.
LOCATION: Kalamunda Senior High
School staffroom
DATES: Thursday 28 February, 7 March and 14
March
TIME: 5:30pm—7:30pm
Refreshments provided
RSVP: jennifer.edmonds2@education.wa.edu.au or on 9293 6413
Jenny Edmonds
School Psychologist