Filter Content
- Principal's Report
- Middle School Report
- Year 12 Report
- Student Services Report
- Vocational and Educational Training
- Humanitites - Career and Enterprise
- English - Living Books Incursion
- Mathematics
- Science
- Drama
- Music Update
- Japanese - Hyogo Cultural Centre Excursion
- Transperth - Airport bus network
- Mental Health and Well-Being
- Swan United Football Club
- WAAPA Summer School 2022
- Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation
Well Term 4 is certainly flying by quickly, and our Year 9 to Year 12 students are in the thick of exams.
Year 12 farewells
As became our practice from last year, our Year 12s finish Term 3 with a special breakfast and assembly to celebrate their time with us at Kalamunda and to be acknowledged by staff and students. The day culminated with their Year 12 ball held at the Pan Pacific.
For those studying ATAR subjects, they have returned this term to complete these exams, which were held at our own school for the first time this year. This has been a wonderful step to be able to accommodate these onsite and I thank our staff for their efforts in making this happen.
We are looking forward to our final farewell at Valedictory.
Year 12 Principal’s Award
Each year I present a Principal’s Award to students who show consistently positive attitude, behaviour and effort in their final year of schooling. Congratulations to recipients - Sophie Catchpole, Chloe Corfe, Sophie Eynaud, Annabella Giorgiante, Kristy Golden, AJ Hiscox, Madison Hume, Hayleigh Kerr, Rebekah Lane, Jewel Pivac, Sidney Rios, Elise Thom, Sylvia Veale and Evie Williams.
Bibbulmun Robotics Showcase
Last term we hosted the Bibbulmun Robotics Showcase for schools in our Bibbulmun network and some of our Year 7 and 8 students participated in this event. Sponsored by Bendigo Bank, students were set special challenges, prepared especially for the event and revealed on the day. Each challenge represented a STEM superpower of problem solving, collaboration, science, technologies and mathematical skills. Students collected these superpowers as they completed a challenge. It was fantastic to see students working in collaboration rather than competition.
Kalamunda Day
Each year we set aside a special day to celebrate our school values. A special assembly is held to acknowledge our diversity, with 41 different countries of birth represented and our students sharing important messages about our school values. Students then spend the afternoon participating in a range of fun activities organised by Learning Areas.
Twilight Concert
What another fantastic evening of music we had the evening before Kalamunda Day. Moved due to the wet weather, the evening was perfect weather, with the full moon rising up behind the stage. This year our music students performed the first half of Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ with over 100 music students performing together in the finale – it was an amazing performance which really carried the audience away as it finished. It is amazing to see such talent with our students and staff alike.
Bibbulmun Challenge
Our Year 8 students have all now completed their traditional Bibbulmun Challenge and we are currently catching up our Year 9s who missed out on this challenge due to COVID last year. Congratulations to all those students and staff who have successfully completed this challenge.
WA CO2 Dragster Competition
We congratulate our students who participated in the state CO2 Dragster completion for the first time this year, with 4 students being placed in the top 6 across two categories- Zachary Cover (2nd), Nathan Ward (4th), Anna-Rose Markin (5th) in the first category and Drew Canlas (2nd) in the second. We extend our thank to teacher Brad Collett who supported students in their preparation for this event.
Write a book in a day – exciting news!
You would have read about this writing challenge in the last issue of the News Review, and in further news, one of our Year 9 teams – REDACTED – has won the Best Illustalions for the Middle School Division (Year 7 -9) not only for WA but also nationally.
This team, which consists of - Toby Trent, Claire Martin, Libby Guy, Felicity Smith, Leah Kuckelkorn, Marc Rouillard, Chae Elkington and Ané Greyling - have participated in the competition together since Year 7. They have always been a well-oiled machine of talented artists, writers and team members and we are so very proud of them.
You can read their book online.
My place
Earlier this year some of our students were involved in a workshop organised by the Commissioner for Children and Young People – to determine what children and young people are saying about their living environment. We are very proud of their involvement and you can see the outcome of their workshop in this link.
I wish our students all the best as they undertake their exams and complete their final studies this term. I encourage them to do the very best they can so that they can finish this year well.
Helen Deacon
Principal
At this stage of the year the two most important things on everyone’s mind are the upcoming exams and the end of year activities.
Exams
By the time you read this, our Year 9 students will have completed their first lot of end of year exams. It is really important that when they receive feedback on these from their teachers, they take it on board as it starts to help them develop a set of skills to prepare, plan and then complete an exam. They will have exams in Year 10 and depending on their pathway in Year 11 and onwards, they may have exams in Year 11 and 12 as well. Exams are just one part of our assessment program in Middle school so if you have any questions about them then I urge you to make contact with either the subject teacher or the Head of Learning Area,
End of Year Activities
As a part of the Good Standing Program we are offering students in Years 7, 8 and 9 the opportunity to participate in the end of year activities. The Year 7s will be having a Big Day In, on Monday 13 December. This will comprise of water slides, bungee run and other rides.
Ms Stanbrook will be running a Y8 Outdoor Cinema her at school on Wednesday 15 December.
The Year 9s will have their annual River Rock on Tuesday 14 December. The cost for the night (which includes boat hire, a DJ, Pizzas and soft drinks throughout the night) will be distributed shortly.
For a student to be eligible to attend any of the above activities they must have their Good Standing at: Year 7 – 3pm Thursday 9 December, Year 8 – 3pm Wednesday 15 December, Year 9 – 3pm Tuesday 14 December.
Remember that if you have any questions then please contact the relevant Year Coordinator at school on 9293 6400 (Year 7 – Gemma Laskey; Year 8 – Alana Stanbrook and Year 9 – Lea Richards).
Mark Pettit
Deputy Principal - Student Services / Middle School
Term 3 concluded impressively with our accustomed Year 12 Breakfast which was held in the Cafeteria and was exceptional for all who attended. Our traditional final Year 12 Assembly was absolutely wonderful, there were intuitive words, humorous moments and a truly moving farewell for our Year 12 students. They then headed off to get ready for their Year 12 Ball at the Pan Pacific Perth, later that evening.
The Year 12 Ball was a brilliant night filled with glitz, glamor, dancing, and photos, a most fitting end to the Class of 2021’s formal education. I would very much like to thank our Year 12 Student Leaders who planned the night exquisitely and to the staff who came along on this most cherished night for all.
With the ATAR Practical exams and school mock exams during the last school holidays completed, the Year 12 students embarked on their final couple of weeks of school intent on completion of work, mock exam feedback and ATAR exam preparation. Even though some students were feeling anxious which is not unusual for this time of the year, the last couple of weeks finished off the school year for the 12s well. For the first time in many years the ATAR exams are being held at Kalamunda Senior High School which will no doubt be a far more familiar place for our Year 12 students to sit the ATAR exams. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our Year 12s, the Class of 2021, every success and happiness in whatever they pursue in their futures. We will miss you all.
Sharon Andrews
Program Coordinator Pathways - Year 12 Coordinator
As a parent/carer, you play an important role in helping your child attend every day and get the most out of school.
There are a number of things you can do to help your child attend every day.
Be aware
- Monitor their attendance. Keep an idea on how many days they miss.
- If they feel physically ill, check to see if anything is going on at school or if they feel anxious.
- Speak with your child's teacher to find out how they are going and how you can support them.
- Attend parent events and information sessions.
Talk and share
- Talk about school in a positive way with your child so they want to go.
- Talk about the benefits of school and value for them.
- Ask your child how they are going at school and about their friends.
- Support them to identify solutions to any issues or concerns they may have.
- Encourage your child to set personal goals related to school each term, and acknowledge their efforts and achievements.
- Find out about what your child would like to do in their future and discuss the pathways available to them.
Support routines and organisation
- Help your child develop the habit of going to school every day.
- Set a morning routine to help your child be organised and get to school on time.
- Have other transport options ready in case something unexpected happens. Bus services are available for both metropolitan and regional students.
- Set regular bedtime and evening routines. This helps your child get enough sleep. They will be well rested and ready to learn the next day.
- Help your child set up good homework and study
- Limit the use of electronic devices, so they get off to sleep easily.
Appointments and holidays
- Where possible, make appointments for your child outside of school hours or during school holidays.
- Take family holidays during school holidays.
After-school activities
- Encourage extra-curricular activities so they create friendships and pursue their interests.
- Set limits on part-time work so they are not over-stretched or tired.
Seek support
- Talk to your child's teacher about any concerns and find out how they can support them.
- Find out about services available to support their attendance and wellbeing.
For more information on how to help your child be engaged in school and learning download the attachment below.
Vocational and Educational Training
How to Make Your Career in Mining
The 'Make Your Career in Mining' careers guide identifies more than 100 careers across the mining industry on mine sites, in high-tech remote mining centres, in science as well as computer laboratories – or any mix of locations.
The guide outlines opportunities in managing a team, rehabilitating mine sites, building robotics or piloting drones, engineering machinery, safeguarding native plants and animals, or tackling climate change.
Australian Apprenticeship Pathways Hub
You can visit the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways hub, which provides sample job and training descriptions, steps on how to find an apprenticeship, industry-based job pathways charts and practice literacy and numeracy quizzes. (This information is from Australian Career Service).
Two Training Hubs are being established to provide transition pathways for school leavers.
One Training Hub has already opened in Armadale and another is about to open in Wanneroo.
- You can contact the Armadale Hub for more information call (08) 9365 7539 or email industryhubarmadale@cciwa.com.
- You can find out more about the Wanneroo Training Hub, on (08) 9365 7741 or email strong@cciwa.com
Christine Hamilton
VET Coordinator
Humanitites - Career and Enterprise
Year 11 Career and Enterprise – Mock interviews with City of Kalamunda
In Term 3 the Year 11 Career and Enterprise students participated in ‘Mock Interviews’ with the City of Kalamunda and community representatives. This four-week process required students to choose a job advertisement on SEEK, create a cover letter and portfolio then prepare answers which would be asked by the interviewers. Our students presented themselves very well and represented our school in a positive manner. The students they were well prepared and framed the questions in a way that would meet industry standards.
Career and Enterprise – Edith Cowan University excursion
During Term 3, 90 Career and Enterprise students attended an excursion to Edith Cowan University to develop an understanding of the opportunities available to them post-secondary schooling. Students were able to explore the campus, observe performances, participate in seminars and experience ‘uni life’ with a particular focus on WAAPA. Well done to all the students who attended the excursion as they represented Kalamunda SHS in a positive way.
Lauren Johnson and Reece Young
Humanities Teachers
English - Living Books Incursion
On Friday, 10 September our Year 8 students participated in a Living Books Incursion. It was hosted in the library as part of our unit on historical fiction. Historical fiction focuses on telling stories of the past to a new audience. The past is brought to life through the words of characters, their families and their adventures; some bad, some good and some very, very ugly. The ‘Living Books’ incursion focused on students hearing the stories of real-life “characters”. These people were volunteers from the local Kalamunda community who visited our students to tell their life story. Students had the opportunity to read a biography of each character prior to meeting them and brainstormed a series of questions that they could ask them during the interview. Students visited the library to hear their designated “character” talk. Upon returning to their classroom, students completed an activity that asked them to transform the story they heard orally into a written story, focussing on creating realistic dialogue. The Living Books were from many different walks of life including; war veterans, authors, local business owners, volunteers and the students showed great interest in hearing their stories. Thanks to Jorge Raphael in the library for creating this opportunity or our students, English teacher Rosie Walker for creating excellent resources for the students and the Year 8 English teachers for leading their students through this experience.
Nicolee McNally
English Teacher
Earlier in Term 2, 161 students took part in the Australian Mathematics Competition. Students competed in the Junior (Years 7 and 8), Intermediate (Years 9 and 10) or Senior (Years 11 and 12) division. Each division comprised of 30 questions, where students had to read and interpret a range of questions with varying degrees of difficulty. Certificates are given to students who achieve in the top 3-5% (High Distinction); top 20-25% (Distinction); and top 55-60% (Credit).
This year, we are pleased to announce that 3 students received High Distinctions, 17 students received Distinctions and 47 students received Credits. For the second year running, the Best in School Award went to Marc Rouillard in Year 9. Well done to all students who took part in the competition. A special thank you to Debbie Yeoh who coordinated the competition, even though she was on leave during 2021.
Alanna Webb
Mathematics Head of Learning Areas
This year’s offerings for students celebrating our school community on Kalamunda Day included the ever popular Escape Room challenge, in which contenders must negotiate a number of scientific challenges on the way to the final destination and victory. Two themes were on offer this year: ‘The Next Element’ in room 7, and ‘Moon’ in room 6. Both were fully booked out in advance and participants had a great time beating the system and each other!
Lindesay Pound
Science Teacher
Congratulations to all of the Year 11 students who took part in our end of year Showcase. It was a wonderful night, with all students performing Monologues, Duologue scenes from 'A Streetcar Named Desire' by Tennessee Williams and a Group Devised play called 'Harry Potter and the Mysterious Media Virus'.
It was fantastic to have so many parents, friends and staff in the audience to support our performers – for some, it was their very first time on stage. Needless to say there were some nerves backstage and a lot of resilience shown. Not to mention that our lighting desk ‘died’ 50 minutes before the show and was only able to be restored to 50% capacity…but as they say "the show must go on!" and so it did. A very special thank you to our support crew of Year 10 KPA students who performed their backstage support roles with aplomb. Take a bow everyone! See you here for more Drama next year!
Aundaéa Stevens
Drama Teacher
On Thursday, 21 October the music department had our annual Twilight Concert. We did have it scheduled for Tuesday 19 October, however bad weather on the Tuesday forced us to move it to the Thursday. As it turned out it was a good decision as the concert went ahead with mostly clear weather although was a bit chilly!
This is our biggest concert of the year and we had all of our music groups performing. As always the highlight for me is the grand finale. This year we had over 100 music students performing the first half of Pink Floyd’s 'Dark Side of the Moon'. Over all the students did a fantastic job and I would like to thank Musikal and all of the parent support over the year and for this event. A big thanks goes to Alex Stevens and Desi for coordinating and helping on the night. I would also like to thank all of the amazing IMSS music staff that come in each week and for their hard work at the concert and Michelle Vivian who did a fantastic job arranging the concert band parts and choir sections for 'Time'.
Marcus Roberts
Director of Music
Japanese - Hyogo Cultural Centre Excursion
Certificate 2 and 3 students, 15 September 2021
This excursion was one of the most enjoyable and appropriate I’ve ever been on and I hope future students are allowed the privilege to go. The travel time was short and I heard no complaints about it. Upon arrival at the cultural centre we were each given a very pretty obento, a Japanese lunch dish with a variety of new and interesting things to try, like a delicious slice of another culture. We got to experience the peace garden, a mixture of Japanese and Australian culture, as a guide explained the sister relationship shared between Perth and Hyogo. It was enlightening to see such a beautiful combination of the two city’s flora and Japan’s unique garden design come together to represent the peaceful intermingling of two entirely different cultures. Afterwards, we were lucky enough to try our hand at Japanese calligraphy. It was easy to tell that the whole group loved it, however difficult, and I was definitely impressed with the Year 10s who produced some really good looking work. No art work is complete without a signature though, so of course after learning about the historical significance of the hanko (a stamp used to sign one’s name on art or important documents in Japan), we made our own and used them to brighten up our best calligraphy piece. I couldn’t thank the people at the cultural centre enough for being such engaging hosts and patient teachers. Speaking of, huge kudos to Maguire-sensei for putting together such a good excursion, I’ll admit that I worried as to how possible it was to arrange an excursion that was not only subject-appropriate and informative, but entertaining for the Year 10s, as I know they can be hard to please. In the end, I’m most impressed with the organisation of this excursion and would absolutely recommend it for future classes.
Ev Price (Year 11 Certificate 3 Japanese Student)
Head to Health
https://www.headtohealth.gov.au
Chatstarter- Helping parents and young people support each other
ChatStarters
Here are some ways that you can connect with those around you.
For parents
Supporting our children in difficult times and finding out how they are doing means we often need to find alternative ways to start a chat and to listen.
Doing things together is a great #ChatStarter, especially when we may not know how to start or what to say.
Here are some #ChatStarter ideas - why not try them out?
Storytelling can help us understand what people are going through. You might like to yarn with Elders or friends about your experiences and how you’re feeling. You could yarn with members of your household or virtually with others you trust.
Going for a short drive with someone, or taking them for a drive if they’re not up for it, can provide a short-term escape and provide the opportunity for uninterrupted conversation and a place to calm down or clear heads.
Keeping our hands busy can help someone feel more comfortable in having conversations about challenges. If your child or friend likes baking, encourage them to choose a recipe to make together
Young people enjoy watching content they relate to - this includes reels and videos on social media. They might share links with you that can help you understand what they’re going through that can help guide conversation. Alternatively, you can sit down and watch some videos together which may help conversation flow.
This is just for fun - what we draw, write, paint, cook, dance, capture and play can help give insights into someone's experiences. Try photography – why not go bush? Go outside to the backyard or the park nearby if possible and spend time taking photos. You don't need a special camera to capture beautiful colours, textures and reflections.
Dancing is a great way to express yourself. You, your family, Elders, friends or anyone in your household might like to pick some songs and dance. If you're in different households, a video call to dance and move is a great alternative to face to face when restrictions are tight.
Mental Health Support Lines
Where to get help
- headspace (ages 12-25) - call 1800 650 890
- Kids Helpline (ages 5-25) - call 1800 551 800
- Lifeline (24/7 crisis support) - call 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue (mental health support service) - call 1300 224 636
- Butterfly National Helpline (eating disorders) - call 1800 334 673
- 1800RESPECT (People impacted by sexual assault, domestic violence, and abuse) - call 1800 737 732
- Suicide Call Back Service (all ages) - call 1300 659 467
- Mensline (24/7 counselling service for men) - call 1300 789 978
- QLife (LGBTI peer support and referral) - call 1800 184 527
Amanda Morton
Manager Complex Cases
WAAPA Summer School 2022
Join us on campus at WAAPA in January 2022! This summer WAAPA is offering a range of performing arts courses as part of our school holiday program for secondary school students. Classes for young people from Year 7 to 12 in Acting, Drama, Screen performance, Jazz and Music Theatre mean there is something for everyone with a passion for the arts. Our wonderful staff cater for all abilities and experience levels. For information about the many courses on offer please visit waapa.ecu.edu.au/summer-school or contact Gabrielle Metcalf at explore.waapa@ecu.edu.au or 9370 6775.
Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation
Our Weekend Leadership Voyage is a 3-day power-packed experience in a unique environment, at sea on the magnificent STS Leeuwin II – Australia’s largest sail training tall ship, fulfilling the Bronze Adventurous Journey requirements for both the practice and qualifying components of the Award.
This voyage is also open to any student wishing to have an adventure and develop leadership skills.