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The end of Term 4 has come around very quickly after such a strange year however the routine of exams, assessments and reports is a familiar one. School reports will be distributed via Connect in Week 10 of this term. We also look forward to our reward activities and events planned for the end of the year.
Valedictory
Congratulations to all our Year 12s who have now finished their formal schooling and will soon begin their transition to tertiary studies, training or employment. We wished them well at their Valedictory on 20 November which is always a special event. We welcomed former student Peta Crane to share her personal story of resilience.
Musical - Aladdin
What an amazing treat we have had this year with the KPA production. Thank you to the huge team who brought us Disney Junior’s Aladdin the Musical. It has been over a year in the making and nearly did not make it with COVID this year – so it was such a thrill to see it all come together. We have a huge congratulation to Anna Head who was the driving force for the production along with all our amazing staff and KPA students.
Read a review by Dr Jarrod Butterly
Dear Anna,
What an absolute privilege to have the opportunity to attend the final dress rehearsal of Aladdin (Jr) by the Performing Arts Students at Kalamunda Senior High School. Thank you.
Oh my goodness, this show was breathtaking! From the moment the curtain opened it felt like there were 200 young performers on stage. Of course, there weren't. Everything is done within guidelines, but it FELT like hundreds of performers. That's because they were all DOING something. No shuffling feet. No standing around looking bored. They were all committed to the grand opening and seized the moment. They were as excited as we were.
Talia Barley made a spunky genie, mixing nonchalance and sarcasm with godlike powers—masking an underlying sadness. It was nice of her to spare the time to open the show (considering she doesn't do much else until Scene 5).
Of course, even though the Genie doesn't, we need to meet the eponymous lead pretty quickly. Lilly Hogg was an awesome Aladdin. (That doesn't mean she looks like a boy—girls play the lead roles in these things, people! Keep up!) Lilly has a natural stage presence. She was in charge when she needed to be, but naturalistically deferred to others—whether it be by giving up her purloined scraps to starving children, or relinquishing the focus to allow others to share the limelight. Speaking of which, she worked well with her cronies, Emily Booth, Sharli Ogg, and Kaia Dunne—all of whom had their own tricks and idiosyncrasies (I used to be able to bend like that...).
The Marketplace effortlessly segued into the Palace via some beautiful back-projections. Here we meet our typically moody teenage princess. But wouldn't you be grumpy if your father was trying to marry you off to anyone and everyone? (Plus, the wi-fi NEVER works in the palace.) Niamh Hennigan nicely balanced, "You can't tell me what to do," with, "Let's disguise ourselves as commoners and sneak out," followed by, "I barely know you but you have a good heart so I'll trust you."
Like Aladdin, Princess Jasmine was helped enormously by her offsiders. Sidebar: there are three names in the programme but there were only two attendants on stage—I'm told one was sick but I don't know which was which. Regardless, Mackenzie Chittleborough, Jasmin Dunster, and Mansi Desai were supportive and cheeky. ("Do you have a brother?")
But what's a Disney show without a Disney villain (and sidekick)? Lindsey Suijdendorp was menacing and deliberate as Jafar. (Why do rulers even HAVE viziers? They're endless trouble...) Craftily, the edge is taken off by the compulsory sidekick, and with some of the best lines and looks in the show, Imogen Bates chewed the scenery as Iago.
The leads are in place, and with a bit of travelling exposition in front of the proscenium arch, we're off to the Cave of Wonders. Crikey! This was amazing! So amazing that the amazing back-projection was barely noticeable! I shall reveal no more.
I thought I'd be driving all the way home humming "Friend Like Me" but it was actually "Prince Ali". Just when you didn't think anything could top the Cave of Wonders, comes the no-holds-barred opening to Act 2. The exuberance built to a crescendo and when Prince Ali finally strode on stage, I'm not ashamed to say I had tears of joy in my ancient, jaded eyes.
This production was originally scheduled for August until COVID-19 altered everybody's plans. It is testament to the perseverance of everybody involved (but one person in particular) that KPA had a production at all this year. Nevertheless, the production budget didn't quite stretch to an actual flying carpet. But don't let that put you off! It's not a deal breaker! Whilst—admittedly—the carpet didn't circumnavigate the auditorium, flight was simulated by some beautiful ballet. As Prince Ali attempted to woo the love of his life whom he met ten minutes ago by coaxing her onto a floating rug (hey, it's a musical, leave your logic at the door), the student dancers gave the beautiful impression of soaring through the clouds.
Will Prince Ali be successful in his courtship of the feisty but beautiful princess? Will Jafar get his just desserts? Will Iago sneak in a final one-liner? Will the Genie get a wish of her own? Far be it from me to give away the ending....
I can give away other accolades. Jayella Grossman displayed a commanding stage presence and maturity, and was a fine choice as the Sultan. Sophie Spratt made the most of her hilariously OTT Prince Abdullah. Methinks Katarina Beronja might have been enjoying her role as head guard a little TOO much. Brandon Waterfield and Emma Snell also enjoyed their shouty roles in the marketplace, and Emma certainly mastered those wings in Act 2.
What a joy! What an absolute delight to see so many young performers not only participating but enjoying themselves! And, as we all know, when the performers enjoy themselves, it translates to the audience.
I said earlier that one person in particular made this happen. She will be the first to shout that she had lots of help and support, but everything here—this sumptuous feast for the eyes and ears, this year of work for a couple of hours of entertainment—comes from the amazing KPA Coordinator, Anna Head. You did it. In this tumultuous, interrupted year, you created a show that these kids, and their appreciative audiences will never forget. Congratulations to everyone involved. Thank you again.
Kind regards,
(Dr) Jarrod Buttery
President, Harbour Theatre
Secretary, Blak Yak Theatre
Adjudicator, Old Mill Theatre
Congratulations – Outdoor Education
We congratulate Dale Watson for being a finalist in the Outstanding Outdoor Education Practitioner category of the Outdoors WA awards. Kalamunda SHS was also announced the joint winner of the Western Australian Outdoor Recreation Sector – Outstanding Contribution to Outdoor Learning.
National School Opinion Survey
Parents will have hopefully received a link to complete this parent survey. This is conducted every two years and is an important way for us to ensure that we are continually improving and meeting the needs of our community. If you haven’t completed the survey we really encourage you to do so before the end of the year so we can have as many voices represented as possible.
Bibbulmun Robotics Network Showcase
On 26 October a group of Kalamunda SHS students participated in the STEM showcase where teams worked together to complete robotic challenges. These were based on the STEM superpowers of problem solving, collaboration, science, technologies and mathematics skills. The event was proudly sponsored by the Forrestfield & High Wycombe Bendigo Bank. View the video
New School Song
Thanks to Marcus Roberts we have a new school song to share and enjoy. You can access the recording of this along with over 100 of our music students on this video link. Click to view
Containers for Change
Thank you to our P&C for organising a code for the Containers for Change program. This is the Change Scheme ID for Kalamunda SHS and Kalamunda SESC combined P&C – C10351190.
We encourage you to recycle your containers and hope that you will nominate our P&C to receive these funds. This all goes back into the P&C to help run our school canteen and support our school.
Orientation Day
On 27 October we welcomed our incoming Year 7s for 2021 to the school for Orientation. It was a wonderful day where students got to meet their teachers and other students in their classes ready for the new year. Thank you to Mark Pettit for organising the day and to all the staff who were involved. It was lovely to welcome our new parents on the day as well and we look forward to a great partnership over the next 6 years.
Christmas Hampers
Each year Desi, our chaplain, coordinates Christmas hampers for families in need. We encourage students to bring along non-perishable items to contribute.
Final Assembly
This will be held on 15 December at 9am. Given our difficulty in holding assemblies this year, we will be using the opportunity to acknowledge our students who have excelled in their studies or sporting achievements throughout the year.
Farewells and Welcomes
As we near the end of the term we will farewell David Brady who will be retiring after 43 years of service. David has been Associate Principal at Kalamunda SHS since 2011 and Principal in 2012. He has been a dedicated and passionate teacher and school leader in both metropolitan and country schools around the state. We will miss him greatly and wish him all the very best in his retirement.
We also say farewell to Stefanie Bruder who will be moving to Harrisdale SHS, Emma Penglis moving to St Mary’s College, and Rachel James to Carine SHS and thank you to those staff finishing fixed term contracts for this year: Daniel Cargill, Krista Jordan and Julie Loxton.
Wishing our families and students all the very best for the Christmas and holiday season.
We look forward to a wonderful 2021.
Helen Deacon
Principal
November as always is a particularly busy time for our Year 11 and 12 students, as they complete their respective years, and move on to new and exciting challenges. This year has gone by yet again so quickly, but quite differently from previous years and I cannot believe our Class of 2020 have completed their formal education. Preparation is well under way for the Class of 2021, for their concluding year of schooling.
The Year 12s had their WACE exams during November and as this is a culmination of the years’ work our thoughts and best wishes were with them as they endeavoured to do their best and achieve results that will enable them to pursue further study at University or continue along their chosen pathways. We also had our Year 12 Valedictory on Friday 20 November which was extraordinary and a most fitting way to end to their years at school. I was exceptionally proud of our Year 12s accomplishments and sincerely hope they all find happiness and success in whatever life pursuits they choose.
Our Year 11s have also completed their end of year exams, which ran very proficiently and praise goes to the students doing exams, on their behaviour, which was exemplary. Work placements were also immensely successful and our students had positive and valuable experiences which will hopefully result in possible prospects for the future. Reviewing of the Year 11 results has almost concluded and we look forward to a very successful 2021. Our students are adjusting to the requirements of the WACE and the school has put into place some rigorous processes to help ensure the success of the students.
With only weeks to go our Year 10 students are being transitioned into their respective Year 11 pathways, a particularly valuable experience, aimed at better preparing them for the challenges of Year 11. I look forward to working with and supporting them as they progress through Year 11 and 12.
I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday and look forward to the New Year and all its opportunities.
Sharon Andrews
Head of Senior School
Dear parents and families,
As the school year has now concluded for our Year 11 students, I would like to congratulate them on their achievements and efforts throughout 2020. It was lovely to see the students celebrate the culmination of this at their end of year river cruise. There was much dancing, fun, laughter, and a great time had by all. I wish everyone a safe and relaxing holiday, and look forward to hearing of our students’ continued successes in 2021 under the guidance of Sharon Andrews. For those students who will be continuing their learning elsewhere next year, I wish all them all the very best in their future endeavours.
Karen Stuart
Year 11 Coordinator
Tomorrow will be the completion of the Teen Mental Health First Aid Program in which all Year 10 students have been participating over the past three weeks. They have been involved in three very engaging sessions on understanding mental health issues, how to assist a friend in a crisis and advice on how to support someone who has or is developing a mental health issue. I am very proud of how the Year 10s have maturely and respectfully participated in these seminars.
We will also be celebrating the never to be forgotten year of 2020 with the Year 10 Dinner Dance. The Year 10s have had many challenges thrust upon them this year and I am excited to be celebrating the end of Year 10 with this amazing group of resilient students.
Next week we will continue the celebrations with the Year 10 Special Programs Graduation Ceremony. At Kalamunda we pride ourselves on the opportunities that are offered to our students, and it is with great pleasure that we get to recognise the efforts of our Year 10 students who have participated in these programs. Congratulations to all and I hope your passion and enthusiasm continues to drive you to achieve great things.
As the year is quickly coming to a close, I would like to wish all my Year 10s and their families a safe and restful break and look forward to seeing them continue to thrive in 2021. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Laura Morris
Year 10 Coordinator
Events in 2020
Due to the year that was in 2020 we were sadly unable to run some of our regular events such as the Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Breakfasts and the Bibbulmum Challenge but we were excited to still run the following events:
Novelty events at the Athletics Carnival and Kalamunda Day, Wear it Purple Day, National Action Day Against Bullying, R U OK Day, The Greatest Shave, Year 7 camp, Leadership camp, Triple Challenge, Mental Health Week including the Mental Health Expo, In Real Life girl groups, Reward Assemblies, Year 7 and 10 immunisations and Year 7 lunchtime activities run by the Wildfire Youth group.
Support for the holidays
As the holidays approach it is always good to be reminded of all the youth resources available to you. Please find below a link for the youth services resources.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of the Student Services team who strive to create a culture of high care in which every student experiences a sense of belonging to the school community. Without fail they support the needs of all students, recognising their individual needs to enable them to achieve their highest educational objectives.
Have a safe and Merry Christmas season and I look forward to welcoming new and existing students and staff to Kalamunda next year.
Amanda Morton
Manager Student Services
Kalamunda Performing Arts - Disney's Aladdin Jr
What an incredible semester it has been for Kalamunda Performing Arts which culminated in the rescheduled performances of Disney’s Aladdin Jr over the weekend of the 27 and 28 November. Due to only being able to have 60% capacity in the theatre this year, we added an extra show, meaning that the students performed the show 4 times in a period of 25 and a half hours!
I am so incredibly proud of how mature and professional the students were and I was particularly pleased to see how the older students have become mentors to the younger performers. I was also delighted to have a small backstage crew work with us, helping to maintain the smooth flow of everything behind the scenes.
Michelle Vivan and Rosie Walker have worked tirelessly this year providing before school singing rehearsals for the students so that they were able to master the difficult, tiered harmonies. There was an overwhelmingly positive response to the quality of the singing as a result. The students have gained so much from this extra vocal training. Thank you to Michelle and Rosie.
The audiences were so appreciative of the show and we have had many happy audience members contact us to let us know how much they enjoyed it. Thank you to all that attended.
This was more than a year in the conceptual design, planning and creating and I must say that even I was floored when I saw how effective the interior of the Cave of Wonders looked when I first saw it in rehearsal under the stage lighting. I had visions of what it might look like, but even then was not prepared.
There were so many people from within the school community who helped to bring this show to life; too many to mention, but I must thank Grace Oorschot from the English department who brought her theatrical expertise to the backstage and helped with every performance, assisting the students with costume malfunctions, last minute nerves, and the administering of care and support.
Thanks to the entire school community for your support in bringing this show to life. I am one very proud and happy KPA coordinator.
Anna Head
KPA Coordinator
Year 7 and 8 students all participated in The World of Maths incursion this week. The World of Maths is an organisation that runs interactive problem-solving sessions for students to look at maths in different ways. We were able to give the opportunity for every class to engage in these sessions within the library instead of their usual Maths session. It was a delight to see so many students engaging in these activities, working together in groups to solve problems and having some fun with hands on mathematics.
Jessica Millar
Head of Mathematics Learning Area
30 students from Year 8 were invited to join in a global goals challenge alongside 3 other schools at Atwell College as part of our STEM partnership. This is a 3-day event where students have to problem solve within a sustainability context, looking at real life problems and how they can tackle these issues. Looking at the UN sustainability development goals, students were asked to think deep, about big future ideas.
These days allowed students to work within different groups, collaborate and challenge themselves in a way to develop their 21st century skills which are transferable within any subject and give a real life context for our future leaders.
We look forward to seeing how students can bring this thinking back into their classes at Kalamunda SHS.
Ian McMullen and Lauren Johnson
As the school year comes to an end, the stresses and concerns we may face change from being school related to home and community based and these stresses can sometimes be heightened around Xmas time. However, the Act Belong Commit initiative and strategies are still valid and can help us navigate through times that could become rough.
As the weather warms and we are spending more time in the community, our tip to help us stay positively and mentally healthy is:
Contact with nature—whether through parks, natural bush, pets or farm animals, helps us recover from stress and mental fatigue, helps us relax and puts us in a good frame of mind. Next time you are feeling blue, ‘act green’. Do some gardening, take a walk around the park or head down to the water for some time out.
For more tips visit Act-Belong-Commit
Another good idea is to get the kids busy in the kitchen over the break. One simple recipe that your child may like to make is:
Easy Christmas Jellies
These Christmas-themed jellies make a yummy festive end to Christmas dinner for the kids - just start two days before you want to serve them so they have time to set.
Ingredients
- 8 small glasses or plastic cups
- 1 packet of raspberry jelly
- 1 packet of passionfruit jelly
- 1 packet of lime jelly
- Fresh berries or Christmas lollies to decorate
Method
- Prepare red jelly and pour 1/4 cup into each cup, refrigerate until set (will take about 4-6 hours).
- Prepare yellow jelly, allow to cool and pour 1/4 cup gently on top of red jelly, return to fridge until set.
- Prepare green jelly, allow to cool and pour 1/4 cup gently on top of yellow jelly, return to fridge until set. Just before serving, decorate with berries or lollies.
Jenny Edmonds
School Psychologist
WORK PLACE LEARNING - SEMESTER 2, 2020
Members of the local Kalamunda Business community as well as employer’s further afield, have extended their congratulations to Kalamunda Senior High School for ensuring that students were mature and enthusiastic ‘workers’, at all times respectful, willing to learn new skills and keen to contribute to their chosen workplace as part of the workplace ‘team’.
“Student ‘X’ was a pleasure and a wonderful help in the classroom. He was amazing at keeping some of the students on task and engaged. Thank you Student 'X' for your professionalism, amazing attitude and all your help. ” Edney Primary SchooL, High Wycombe.
“I am very impressed with Student ‘X’s consistent and increasing enthusiasm! He is a bright and kind individual that is constantly seeking to improve his knowledge-base with smart questions and progressive involvement in all tasks. I have received positive comments about Student ‘X’ from clients and other class attendees and would happily have him back in the future.” Gym Tonic, Kalamunda.
Continuing with the celebrations, a number of WPL students will not be returning to us next year as they have been offered full-time Apprenticeships
and Traineeships as a result of their highly successful Workplace Learning Placements. These students and their families are excited for ‘new beginnings’, as an Apprentice - Tyre Servicing Technician, Apprentice - Automotive Servicing (Mechanic), Traineeship -Retail/Business – Pool and Spa Technician et al. Others have acquired casual employment over the Christmas period as a Laboratory Assistant, Electrical/Construction Trade Assistant etc.
Congratulations to all of these students and their families.
Work Place Learning DATES – Semester 1 & 2, 2021
YEAR 11 | Year 12 |
24 May to 4 June, 2021 |
24 May to 4 June, 2021 |
8 –19 November, 2021 |
11–22 October, 20221 |
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Merry Christmas to all our Kalamunda Senior High School families on behalf of the VET Team. We look forward to sharing new and exciting VET/WPL adventures (and updates) in 2021!
Christine Hamilton
VET Coordinator
Bozena Sturmer's Year 7 Italian class worked very hard on the "L'albero delle emozioni" project. It was a great opportunity for our students to demonstrate their artistic and linguistic abilities. These were displayed in the Library for most of Term 4. Well done, Year 7!
Bozena Sturmer
Italian Teacher
Kalamunda Christmas Lights Competition 2020
Bring the whole family into the Kalamunda CBD and enjoy a magical stroll around the businesses of Kalamunda town centre as they light up their windows this Christmas for our community.
This year, business owners are hiding a cheeky little Elf on a Shelf in their Christmas window displays. Visit as many businesses as you can and list those with an Elf on a Shelf below for a chance to win!
Vote for your favourite business Christmas display online at the Kalamunda Christmas Lights Competition Facebook page or drop your voting slip into one of Santa’s Letterboxes at:
- The Clip Joint (Haynes Street)
- The Kalamunda Night Market (Central Mall 4-8pm every second Friday of the month)
- The Kalamunda Farmer’s Market (Central Mall 8-12pm every Sunday morning)
Introducing Kala Cash Local Gift Card
Kala Cash is a local gift card that has launched to support local businesses in the City of Kalamunda. Over 60 businesses have registered to accept Kala Cash gift cards, with more businesses registered every day. Gift cards can be purchased from various participating businesses and loaded with funds from $10 to $1,000. This is an ideal way to gift local this Christmas and ensure support for our local businesses in the community.
WIN! a $250 Kala Cash Card at the Kalamunda Night Market on Friday 11 December
The team from Community Bank Forrestfield and High Wycombe Bendigo Bank and the City of Kalamunda will be attending the Kalamunda Night Market on Friday 11 December and will be giving away x 10 $250 loaded Kala Cash Cards!
To enter the draw all you have to do is visit the Bendigo Bank tent and fill in an entry form telling us why you love the local businesses in the City of Kalamunda