HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS

NEW PREFECTS FOR 2009 - 2010


This fortnight we have many students to congratulate.  We have just completed our elections for the Prefects and Captains for 2009-2010.  Many excellent candidates campaigned for these leadership positions and on behalf of the whole school I would like to congratulate our newly elected Prefects who will take up their positions next term.

Our new Prefects are

Tim Biviano (Captain)
Max Christensen
Max Elliff (Vice Captain)
Danny Jung
Cameron Ludowyke
Sean Sadimoen
Megan Batchelor (Vice Captain)
Miranda Che
Gabrielle Hardy (Captain)
Paige Kenny
Tasha Samuels
Jiyeon You

School Captains and Vice Captains

WORLD SKILLS - HOSPITALITY
Congratulations to Justin Chan who was placed second in the Regional Competition for World Skills Hospitality and to Dale Parker who performed very well in this elite competition.  Thank you to
Mrs Urquhart for the intense preparation and support of our two candidates.

UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY, PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
Congratulations to Emily Schacher who was placed in the top 20 in a field of predominantly university entrants.

AUSTRALIAN UNDER 16’S WOMENS’ HOCKEY TEAM
If you have been following e-news this year…. you should know who our successful representative is in this team…. Josie de Waal.  This is a magnificent effort for any student to be selected in a national representative team.  Well done Josie.  I know that we will all be watching her career with interest both now and in the future.

LINKING WITH THE WORLD
In the past week we have held information nights for the Japan Study Tour – for April 2010 and for the France and Italy Study Tour – for October 2010. These study tours have received Department of Education and Training approval and are to support the language programs that are delivered in the school between years 8 – 11.

Having had the opportunity of representing the Department of Education and Training in China last month has made me acutely aware of the benefits to young people of being able to effectively communicate in more than one language and the opportunities that exist to work around the world.  Whilst in Beijing I had the good fortune to meet one of my former students who is now a Counsellor in the political economy section of the Australian Embassy in Beijing. (It was heartening to see that some of my former economics lessons are being put to good use.) 

Employment opportunities such as this are enriched for those students who are able to speak a second language.  I would like many of our students to consider the potential benefits of studying a continuers language program in years 9 or 11….. or even venturing to start a beginners program in the senior school.

Last Saturday our school hosted the annual F.A.N.S. dinner – for the French Association that supports the bilingual French program at Killarney Heights Public School.  The dinner was a great success and I have taken the opportunity to invite the new F.A.N.S. President, Veronique Tormey to our Annual Presentation Night to present our inaugural French Accelerants Prize.  At the same time we are exploring business links that may help to provide future employment opportunities for students who have completed our French Acceleration program for the HSC, whilst in Year 10.

Later this month we are preparing to host a film crew from CCTV – China.  They are producing a six part television documentary relating to Chinese students studying in Australia.  They will be filming in most states and territories and predominantly in universities, I believe. However, we have been selected as the New South Wales school to be involved in this program.  This will be an opportunity for the Department of Education and Training and the International Student Centre to showcase some of the quality education that is provided to students who study in NSW schools.  It will also be an opportunity for some of our parents in China to see their children in our educational setting.

I would like to thank the parent organizers of the Year 7 parent dinner that took place on Wednesday 2nd September.  It was a lovely evening and terrific to see so many parents in attendance.  It was also interesting to find out how many students are using the YourTutor online tutoring service.  I would remind all parents that this is an opportunity for children to develop more skills as self directed learners and is an opportunity for them to get guidance without having the work done for them.  There should be no excuses for homework not being done and no need for students to badger their parents for help – or even worse…. to do the homework for them. 

It is always wonderful for parents to take an interest in what the students are learning, but as I heard again on Wednesday evening, the issue of homework can sometimes cause strains with the parent-child relationship.  Please encourage your children to seek out the answers to their problems, because it will equip them well for when they enter any post-school studies.  As one former Year 12 student told me last week “when you get to Uni THEY don’t care about you” – in reference to the lecturers etc. “you are on your own”.  It is for this reason that we are committed to developing life-long learning skills amongst all of our students.  This is part of the reason that statistics show that public school students have a lower failure rate and drop-out rate at university than their private school counterparts.  We aim to teach our students how to learn.

FORTHCOMING ACTIVITIES

  • Saturday night 5th September 6.30pm for 7.00pm – The Back to The Future Dance – our major P&C Fundraiser for this year.  $25.00 – bring your party food and your dance shoes.  The music from the Brass Boyz will be fabulous and there are great prizes etc. to be won on the night.  If you haven’t got your ticket – contact one of the organizers – Katie Kenny or Marianne Lanfranca.  We are really looking forward to a fun night in Crossley Hall.
  • Monday 7th September – International Day.  This is a fun day to celebrate the cultural diversity that is Killarney Heights High.  It is an opportunity to demonstrate our unity in diversity and will include fabulous food stalls, activities and concert.  All students are encouraged to put a few extra dollars in their pockets to enable them to partake of the fabulous annual feast… that exists at the student food stalls.
  • Friday night 11th September – Year 12 Showcase.  At this evening we will have displays of the HSC  Visual Arts, Photography and Design and Technology major works, as well as some HSC music and drama performances.  This is a special evening for Year 12 students and their families.  It is an opportunity to share and celebrate the enormous effort that has done into these works and performances for the HSC.  Finger food and refreshments will be provided by the Hospitality classes.

NEW THINGS ON THE HORIZON

  • Year 8 – in term 4 will be working on some special research projects that will be showcased to the local community.
  • Year 9 – in term 4 will be receiving their Lenovo notebook computers .  This will be discussed at the next P&C meeting.  Year 9 will also be preparing for their Learning Journeys – to be presented in term 4.
  • Year 10 – a team of students will be working on the new school magazine for 2009.
  • Year 12 have been working through HSC oral examinations for languages and HSC drama performances this week.  The marking of HSC Music and Design and Technology major works will occur in the next two weeks.
  • Year 12 Graduation night is coming up on Thursday 1st October.  HSC examinations start in the school hall on 20th October 2009.  All HSC candidates are reminded that they need to ensure that they are aware of their personal HSC examination timetable and I expect that every candidate is spending at least 3 hours per night in revision and study preparation.
  • E-Smart Trial.  Our school is one of only three in the Northern Sydney Region that is involved in trialling new materials to address issues around cyber-bullying and developing policies and procedures to help students develop ethical behavior and strategies to deal with any issues of cyber-bullying that they may encounter.  It is also an opportunity for us to revise all of our technology policies within our school.

An item of university news – from the University of New South Wales in relation to HSC Plus bonus points is available for this year’s HSC graduates on
http://www.unsw.edu.au/futureStudents/undergrad/ced/HSCPlus.html

There is also additional information for Elite Athletes and Performers, where it is noted that the university has “recently enhanced the leadership component of this Program by adding bonus points for Duke of Edinburgh (Silver and Gold), Queens Scouts, International Competitions and Assessments for Schools medals……”

This information is available from our Careers Adviser Mrs McDermott.

This may encourage a few more junior students to participate in Duke of Edinburgh Awards as well as pursuing their collection of merit awards within the school, in order to acquire the school’s platinum medal which is our highest school award to recognize consistent effort in a variety of areas over a prolonged period of time.

I hope to see many of you tomorrow night at the dance.

Kim Jackson
Principal

INTERNATIONAL DAY

A reminder to parents and guardians that Monday, 7 September is Killarney Heights High School International Day.

Although there will be some variation to the normal routine, students are expected to bring equipment for the following classes:

Period 1         -           normal lessons for all students
Period 2         -           normal lessons for Years 12, 11, 9 and 8
Period 3         -           normal lessons for Years 12, 10, 9 and 7
Period 4         -           normal lessons for Years 11, 10, 8 and 7

A diverse range of International food will be available for students to purchase at lunchtime and drinks will be on sale at recess. The school canteen will only operate on a very limited basis on this day.

Students are requested to wear international dress on this day as the theme for 2009 is International Entertainment.

Annette Klein

YEAR 9 REPORT

  • Camp is booked for 3 days:
    Monday 21 to Wednesday 23 September inclusive - money and notes were due in last Friday – let me know if your son/daughter is wanting to come by Thursday 10 September
  • The mandatory fieldwork component of the year 9 geography course is the Pyrmont walking tour set for Friday 11 September – cost is $10; money is due by Friday 4 September
  • International day food stall will be ‘mexican’ – burritos for lunch – yum! $1 is needed from each student to get a kitty for all stalls.

Thank you
J Cheney
Year 9 Adviser

YEAR 9 CAMP

Year 9 camp is booked with Aussie Bush Camps at Tea Gardens.

We leave KHHS at 8:45am on Monday 21st September and return to KHHS by 3pm on Wednesday 23rd September.

Apologies for the typing error on the letter – it is not October!

I am looking forward to seeing your son/daughter try lots of activities and have lots of fun.

Jenny Cheney
Year 9 Adviser

YEAR 12 ADVISER' REPORT

Now that the HSC Trial exams are over, it is a good time to listen to the feedback from your teachers and reflect on your performance. The next few weeks are a critical time to improve on your results. Take the time to make a commitment to your future so that you will not be disappointed with your own personal effort. Attend all classes, focus on your work and revise constantly. Your teachers and mentors are available to give advice and to help you with those areas that need to improve. It will all be over soon and it is important that YOU know you have done your best!

Some general tips to overcome anxiety and maintain your stress levels include:

  • Eat wholesome regular meals
  • Sleep at least 7-8 hours a night and try to get up at the same time every day!
  • Drink plenty of water, not soft drinks, juice, energy drinks or caffeine
  • Exercise daily
  • Enjoy some fun time with family and/or friends.

It is a balance and everything in moderation. There is plenty of time to party after the exams so use the next few weeks to try to improve and maximise your marks for the HSC. Good luck to everyone !!

Don’t forget the SHOWCASE on FRIDAY 11th SEPTEMBER 2009
Get a group of friends together,  come along and have some fun and support your peers!

Ms McDermott
Year 12 Adviser

CAREERS NEWS

HSC FINAL PREPARATION LECTURES will be held at the University of Sydney from Sunday 4th – Saturday 10th October 2009. Brochures with details are available from the careers office.

MACQUARIE UNI OPEN
ACTUARIAL Studies day is on Saturday 12th September from 10am - 4pm. The uni is holding an information session at 11.45am - 1pm in building W5A T1.

PHYSICS Careers night for students interested in studying Physics, Optical Technology and Astronomy will be held on Wednesday 16th September from 5.30pm.

UNI of Tas offers a fast track Nursing Degree in Sydney. The entire course is taught at St. Vincent’s and Mater Health running over two years or six semesters. Applications are assessed by the UTA’s. You must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. Register your interest in the course online to receive an information pack. After you receive your information pack complete the application online by the closing date 30 September 2009.

http://www.fasttracknursing.com/index.telephone  1300  338  816  for  more  information.

University of Wollongong is running its second Engineering Summit for Young Women, to be held 11-15 January 2010.

This is a great event, aimed at girls from throughout NSW who are entering Year 11 in 2010 and who do well in maths and science, and who would like to know more about a career in engineering. See Ms McDermott for more information.

UNSW Aviation Open Days/Information Session. An information  session for prospective flying and management students is on at the uni on Saturday 5 September 2009. Open Days will be held or flying applicants at Bankstown on 19 September and 28 November between 10am‐1pm. Aircraft and simulator will be available for inspection. For more information about the Bankstown open days telephone 9791 3047 at UNSW Aviator, Hangar 135, Aviation Place, Bankstown airport.

INTERESTED IN STUDYING IN THE USA
An information evening will be held on Friday 11th Sept. See Ms McDermott for more information.
The Undergraduate Admissions Offices of Columbia, Georgetown, Northwestern, and Princeton Universities invite

Friday, September 11th, 2009
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Brother Michael Naughtin Theatre
St Joseph’s College

School Based Apprenticeship /Traineeship Student Information Evening will be held at Checkers Conference Centre 331 Mona Vale Rd Terrey Hills commencing at 6pm on Wednesday 9th September. Interested parents and students are welcome to attend.

TAFE  application  courses.   Popular courses  require  an  application  form.   Applications  are  now  open  for  Semester  1,  2010  and  close  on  30  October  2009.   For  a  full  list  of  courses  that  require  an  application  to  go  www.tafensw.edu.au/applyenrol/ 

Australian National Art School OPEN day
WHEN: Wednesday, 23 September 10am-4pm
WHERE: National Art School, Cnr. Forbes & Burton Streets, Darlinghurst 2010


Hear artist talks, information sessions, take tours of the studios and visit our National Art School Gallery (The 58th Blake Prize will be on exhibition).

Chocolate Degustation / Kenvale Information Morning

Enjoy some chocolate tasting (complimentary) and learn about the wonders of chocolate.
There will also be an explanation of Kenvale's Event Management and Hospitality courses, and College tours.

When: Saturday, September 26, 10am to 11am
Where: Kenvale College, Hospitality & Event Management,
38 High Street, Randwick 2031.
RSVP to Bernie McFarlane at mcfarlaneb@kenvale.edu.au

Careers in Automotive Industry
Autostart is backed by MTA Apprenticeships Plus and offer Pre-Apprenticeship Courses for Year 10 to 12 School leavers who are interested in a career in the Automotive Industry.

Autostart courses provide an opportunity for interested school leavers who meet the eligibility criteria to participate in a relevant Pre-Apprenticeship Course where they will gain valuable insight and experience in the automotive industry. See Ms McDermott for more information.

Ms McDermott

EPILOGUE


As all the music is sent back to the publishers and the last poster has fallen off the windows, it’s time to say goodbye to Little Shop of Horrors for 2009.

I would like to say a huge thank you to the people who didn’t get a chance to acknowledge the applause on stage, but without them the show could not have gone ahead.

Four music students and one computer technician put in a huge effort with countless hours of rehearsals for the pleasure of sitting in the dark playing music. Also, Year 12 Entertainment students who did everything from ushering to ringing around the country trying to find fake plants.

Thanks again

The Band
Piano Ben Evans
Piano/Synthesiser: Madoka Moroi
Guitar: Michael Samuel
Bass Guitar: Alec Brinsmead
Drums: Taylah Allen

Yr 12 Entertainment
Cameron Lyons
Cameron Alexander
Gavin Ning
Kei Araoka
Ben Bruce
Emma Edbrooke

BUSH REGENERATION DAY

On Thursday 23rd September the school will be conducting a Bush Regeneration Day to continue the implementation of the recommendations of the Vegetation Management Plan.  The work will be done by student volunteers but other community members are welcome to participate.

The main work to be done on the day will be planting Lomandra tubestock along the boundaries of some of the more vulnerable bush areas.  Some weeding may also be done if there is time.  Parents or other community members who would like to help on the day should contact Mr. L. McGinness at the school.

CONGRATULATIONS

Josie de Waal's u16 NSW All Schools Hockey Team were undefeated at the National Championships in Townsville beating QLD in the final 4-2 in a penalty shot out (1-1 at full time).

Josie has been selected in the Australian u16 Schoolgirls Hockey Team to tour China and Malaysia in July next year.

Well done!

WHAT'S ON

7 September International Day
11 September Showcase
14 September P&C Meeting
15 September Prefect Induction
17 September Year 11 Exams begin
21-23 September Year 9 Camp
25 September Duo Agostino
28 September Year 10 Elective Assessment Week
1 October Year 12 Graduation
2 October Last day of term 3
P & C NEWS AND EVENTS

For information relating to P&C meetings, please access The “P&C news and events” page on the school website. Past minutes are also available on the site under P&C downloads.

SPRING NEWS FROM THE UNIFORM SHOP

Just a reminder that there are only 4 weeks of term left, which means summer is on the way – SUMMER UNIFORM.

Don’t get caught out at the beginning of next term and find your child’s uniform is too small!  Come on in to the uniform shop now and get ready early for term 4.

Due to the efficient running of the shop (thanks Carolyn) and being able to buy in some stock at reduced prices, we are able to REDUCE the price of some of our items – eg  jumpers 12 – 16 are now $65 and girls senior skirts $55.

We are also selling off girls navy winter trousers at $20, that is HALF PRICE!

We are open every Tuesday 8 – 3pm and Thursday 8 – 3.30 pm -  HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!

Click here for an updated Uniform Shop Order Form

BACK TO THE FUTURE

"BACK TO THE FUTURE" DANCE PARTY
TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER AT 6.30PM

Click here for more information
and
Click here for more information

DUO AGOSTINO

Killarney Heights Music Committee
invite you to attend a performance by the
Duo Agostino
Friday September 25 – 7.30pm
$25 per person - wine and nibblies included
To be held in the A Block Common Room

Bookings are through Killarney Heights High School 9451-7005 (Rhonda). Please put money in an envelope clearly marked with your name and number of tickets and hand to the office.

Janet and Raffaele have always had a special interest in guitar ensemble playing and are dedicated to the development of the guitar as a chamber music instrument. They have both been awarded life memberships by the Classical Guitar Society, Sydney, for their significant and sustained contribution. Their performance includes a variety of traditional and contemporary works, including arrangements of works by the Beatles. With such a diverse repertoire and stunning skill – it is sure to be a wonderful evening of music.

http://www.agostinomusic.com.au/

MONSTER GARAGE SALE

1st Forestville Scout Group is having a garage sale
on Saturday 12 Sepember 2009
at Forestville Scout Hall

Click here for more information

STUDENT EXCHANGE AUSTRALIA

In January and February 2010 Student Exchange Australia will welcome a new group of international exchange students to Australia. Our new arrivals will live with a host family and attend school for a semester or a year.

As we plan for their arrival, we are keen to hear from suitable families who might be interested to host a student. Please note that all our host families are interviewed in their homes and carefully checked for suitability.

You can download the newsletter notice here in Word format or in PDF format.

Student Exchange Australia is a not-for-profit secondary exchange organisation which is registered with education authorities in each State and Territory. You can find out more about our organisation by visiting www.studentexchange.org.au.  

If you have any questions you can call our office on 1300 135 331.

Nick Lorentzen
National Director
Student Exchange Australia
PO Box 1420 Mona Vale NSW 1660
T: (02) 9997 0700
F: (02) 9997 0701
W: www.studentexchange.org.au

PARENTING TEENAGERS

Wednesday 9 September 7.30-9.30pm
Main Auditorium, Frenchs Forest Baptist Church
617 Warringah Road, Forestville
$5.00 per family (pay at door)

Click here for more information

ECO FESTIVAL AT LUNA PARK
13 SEPTEMBER

This is Australia's first ever green living expo and is both an important educational tool whereby children can learn the many facets of sustainable living and also a fun and colourful day of entertainment, games, roving performers and displays and gadgets.

We will also be running a full day Sustainable Schools Expo at this event as supported by the NSW Department of Education and Training and the NSW Department of Climate Change and the Environment.

For further information see www.ecokidsfestival.com.au

Click here for more information and Click here for more information

YOUR GIFTED CHILD

A weekend information course for parents
19-20 September

Click here for more information

OCTOBER SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM

We are offering Urban art, video clip making and song writing/recording.  it's one big project.  it will last for the whole 2 weeks.

Coordinator
Bradfield Park Wellbeing Centre Carers Program
41 Alfred St Milsons Pt

Phone: 8920 0675
Fax: 8920 0775
Email: bradfieldparkcoordinator@kncsydney.org
Web-site: www.kncsydney.org

Click here for more information

30 YEAR SCHOOL REUNION FOR
KHHS GRADUATION CLASS OF 1979

Saturday 19 September 2009
Forestville RSL
Register your interest via email
khhs79@optusnet.com.au or
Call Susan Barham (nee Tonkin) 0404 944 045