Filter Content
- Principal's Report
- Year 12 Report
- Middle School Report
- Student Services Report
- Year 12 Mock and ATAR Examination Information
- 2021 Mock Exam Summary Timetable
- Year 11 and 12 Awards
- Year 12 Semester 1 Awards
- Year 11 Semester 1 Awards
- Student Leaders
- Mathematics
- English
- STEM Showcase
- Student Wellbeing
- SkillsWest Careers & Employment Expo
- Year 11 and 12 Tourism
- Italian
- Indonesian
- Music
- Vocational Education and Training
- Health and Physical Education
- Kalamunda Performing Arts
- Drama
- Academic Taskforce October Holidays - Skills Development Programs
- Free Mental Health Workshop
It is hard to believe that we are at the end of Term 3 already. To finish the term our Year 12s will participate in their final assembly before topping off the day in style with their ball at the Pan Pacific. We wish all our Year 12 students the best as they finish up their studies and complete their mock and WACE exams, before the final farewell at Valedictory on 29 November.
Musical – Beauty and the Beast Jr
What an amazing musical production we were treated to this year by our KPA students. Each year the standard has continued to improve and this year was no exception. To pull off such a difficult musical is amazing and we congratulate all those involved in bringing this together. The costumes were spectacular, the singing strong and the overall production hugely entertaining. Special thanks go to Anna Head for her amazing vision of the production and to Michelle Vivian for her musical direction and support for the students. Thank you also to the staff who provided support on camp, at dress rehearsals and backstage.
STEM showcase
During Science Week our school hosted the Bibbulmun Network Robotics Showcase. 11 school particiapted in robotic challenges prepared especially for the event.
We had parents, principals and special guests visit throughout the day, including City Mayor Margaret Thomas, MLA Matthew Hughes and the Deputy DG Melesha Sands (who is a former student). All were suitably impressed with the engagement, collaboration and learning happening throughout the day.
We also acknowledge Bendigo Bank who sponsor this event and extend a big thank you to our HOPE department for the use of the gym – it was the perfect venue for the event. Congratulations to our staff Amber Bullock and Ian McMullen who helped on the organising committee.
KalaLit Conference
On 24 August our school held an inaugural literature conference, KalaLit. Organised by Karen Stuart (HOLA English) and Orietta Stokes (AEP Coordinator) along with staff it was an amazing opportunity for students to deepen their knowledge and be inspired. A range of guest presenters, writers and academics from Curtin University presented lectures, workshops and sessions designed to engage students in the world of literature. Congratulations to our staff and in particular to Karen and Orietta on such a successful event.
Write a Book in a Day
Congratulations to our three teams of students in Years 7-9 who completed the Write a Book in a Day challenge on 25 September. The students worked tirelessly from 8am to 8pm to plan, draft, edit, illustrate and publish a children’s book using an unseen set of parameters.
Languages Week
Our school is very proud of our Languages program and the amazing staff we have teaching our students. For Languages Week, our Italian teachers simulated a flight to Italy for the students and “visited” a few cities and landmarks. We had Indonesian lunchtime games and sports and one of our Year 8 students Daniel Dunn taught his Italian class about his Bunjima language and culture. These were just some of the highlights from the week and below is the winner of the Primary School poster competition. A huge thank you to all our staff and Maria Pennington as our Teaching in Charge of Languages.
Wear it purple
Week 6 was a busy week, culminating in a range of lunchtime activities for Wear It Purple Day on Friday 27 September, where we celebrate diversity as part of our Act Belong Commit program.
Athletics Carnival
Thank you to our amazing staff for their efforts at the Athletics Carnival. The weather was great and the rain held off - making it crisp but pleasant (especially when the sun was out!).
Thank you in particular to Jeff Cameron for his careful planning of the event, along with the HOPE staff, Cert II students, and all those who helped make it such a success! Congratulations!!
Thank you also to our amazing P&C and helpers who provided the food station – we really appreciate all their support.
Kala Rock Night
Congratulations to Dom Zurzolo (IMSS teacher) and Marcus Roberts for holding our first "Kala Rock Night". It was amazing to see the skill progression of our students from Year 7 through to Year 12 and I was particualrly proud of the significant number of musical pieces that were originals composed by the students. The quality of our music program is of such a high level and we are very proud of the achievement of our students.
Dance Showcase and Year 12 KADS showcase
Our arts program is very much alive at this time of the year with both the Dance Showcase and Year 12 KADS showcase held in Week 8 along with the Rock Night. Thank you to Shaharig Shabazian and Aundraea Stevens for all their work with the students to bring these showcases alive for our familes.
Bushfire information
As the school is located in a Bushfire Zone, each year we prepare a Bushfire Stand Alone Plan. This includes emergency contact details and detailed plans for the event of a bushfire in the area. In most cases we would anticipate prior warning, and should a catastrophic fire warning be issued in advance a pre-emptive closure will be made the afternoon before, and parents will be notified through the usual channels.
If there is insufficient warning, then the plan outlines the safer locations within the school site where students and staff will be relocated to await further direction from emergency services.
In the event of a bushfire, parents are asked not to attend the school to collect students as this will cause traffic congestion and may hinder emergency services. All decisions regarding the safety of students at the school will be made in consultation with the appropriate emergency services.
If you have any questions regarding the plan, please contact the school.
Wishing all our staff and students a wonderful holiday break.
Helen Deacon
Principal
With Term 3 well underway it is a fortuitous time for our Year 12 students to reflect on;
- What they have achieved so far?
- What still can be accomplished?
- How do they progress from here, to get where they want to be?
The 2nd round of OLNA testing is nearly completed and although an important component of the WACE, it is only 1 part and a clear understanding of all other components is most beneficial to for students and their families.
With only a couple of weeks to go for the Year 12s there is little time to delay! A difference can still be made but it needs to be here and now. Putting in your utmost effort and achieving the results you are capable of will provide you with not only great satisfaction, but also further opportunities to pursue your career goals. A word of caution though remember a good life balance is critical, being at your best will serve you best in achieving those good results.
Amongst the busy moments we are planning the Year 12 Breakfast, Final Assembly and of course the Ball. An enormous amount of work is being put in to have a wonderful conclusion for our Class of 2021. One big last effort is required Year 12s to get those final pieces of work completed and walk away knowing you have achieved the best you absolutely could.
Well done, really proud of you all.
Sharon Andrews
Program Coordinator - Pathways
Well it has been a while but the main thing I would like to point out are the following students who have been doing amazing things around the school and so will be presented with Values Awards at our Middle School Assembly in Week 9.
I would also like to congratulate the following 3 students who are the Dux for each of our Middle School years for Semester 1.
Year 7 - Isabel Moore
Year 8 - Jasmine Barton
Year 9 - Marc Rouillard
At the end of next term our amazing Year Coordinators organise some wonderful end of year events for our Middle School Students who have maintained their Good Standing. If you aren’t sure what that means then please go to our website and look at the Middle School Good Standing Policy document for further information. It would be great to have as many students eligible to attend these great events.
Information for parents – Attendance at secondary school
Going to school every day is vitally important so your child does not miss out on important ideas, concepts, knowledge and skills for future learning. At Kalamunda SHS we want your teenager to do their very best. To get the best education, they need to go to school every day.
The teenage years are a time for young people to develop independence and find their place in the world, including how they take part in their school life. By working together, our school community can support your child’s attendance.
What can you do to help?
Act early. It is important to understand and work on the underlying reasons why your teenager is not going to school.
On average, teenagers need eight to nine hours sleep a night to be healthy and alert. Maintaining a daily routine helps. This may include monitoring internet, mobile phone and television use at night to ensure sleep is not disturbed.
Try not to make appointments or take holidays during school time. This can make it difficult to catch up on missed school-work, and cause anxiety about attending school.
Don’t let your teenager stay home unless they are genuinely sick.
Don’t let your teenager stay home to finish an assignment that is due. Make attendance the number one priority.
Teach them that attending to commitments is important.
Do you need to let the school know if your teenager will be away from school?
Yes, you need to let the attendance officer/ absentee line know the reason why your teenager is going to be or has been absent from school as soon as possible.
Don’t feel the need to ‘cover up’ the reason for your teenager’s absence.
Be honest so we can work with you and your teenager to improve their attendance.
Having information about why your teenager is missing school helps us plan for their return, and to work out whether we can provide any further help to you.
Have clear expectations about after school jobs. Make sure work does not impact on their ability to get to school each day or interfere with study.
Encourage extracurricular activities such as sport and creative activities.
They can help your teenager develop positive relationships and experience success, helping them feel more motivated.
Monitor your teenager’s attendance and learning at school. Periodically check with their Mentor teacher or Year coordinator to find out how things are going.
Avoid taking over or giving your teenager the impression you are solving their problems for them. Improving attendance requires the school, parent and student to work together.
If your teenager delays getting ready for school so they are late, encourage them to still go to school.
Ask school staff for help if you are struggling to get your teenager to school.
What will staff at Kalamunda SHS do to help?
Offer relevant and culturally responsive learning opportunities to engage students.
Monitor every student’s attendance and work with you to overcome problems affecting your teenager’s attendance.
Talk with you about involving support staff such as school psychologist, chaplain, year Coordinator, program coordinators and other external agencies.
Talk with you about local services that may also be able to help such as Headspace, and the Family Support Network.
Amanda Morton
Program Coordinator - Student Support
Year 12 Mock and ATAR Examination Information
Year 12 students received their mock examination timetables at the beginning of Week 9. Our Year 12 ATAR candidates have had their ATAR exam times mirrored in our mock examination timetable this year.
We are also pleased that for the first time in some time Kalamunda SHS will be the location for our students’ ATAR exams later this year. We will be required to follow specific COVID-safe protocols in the way that our students enter and exit our school site for their exams, but we are confident that our students completing their exams in a familiar environment with known travel routes and surrounds will stand them in good stead in terms of their exam performances.
Year 12 students are reminded to check the SCSA student portal to ensure they have the most up-to-date exam information that is available.
Year 12 students should download their Personalised examination timetable, and their Personalised practical examination timetable if necessary, from the student portal at:
and to take a signed copy of this timetable to their examination. Given the COVID-19 context, students should re-check their timetable in the portal the day prior to their examination to ensure all examination details are the same, particularly the venue.
In preparation for their examinations, students to refer to the examination rules published in the Year 12 Information Handbook Part II: Examinations which can be downloaded at:
Students should also be aware that they are advised not to present at the examination venue if they have COVID-19 symptoms on the day of their examination. Such absences would need to be supported by written medical advice to say that a student has been requested to test, isolate and await test results. Students who are unwell must complete and submit a Sickness/Misadventure Application Form, with supporting evidence, to the School Curriculum and Standards Authority. The form can be accessed at:
To all of our Year 12 ATAR candidates, we wish you all the best in your exams, and we recognise that it has been hard work, perseverance and resilience that has got you this far. This will certainly be reflected in your exam performances.
Timothy Bennett
Deputy Principal, Curriculum/Senior School
Jessica Miller
Deputy Principal, Staff Development
Semester One Year 11 and 12 Curriculum awards were presented at our Week 8 Upper School assembly.
Congratulations to all of our subject Dux and Top Student award winners. A special congratulations must go to Sophie Catchpole, our Year 12 Semester One Dux Award winner, and Darcy Bennett, our Year 11 Semester One Dux award winner.
Tim Bennett
Deputy Principal - Curriculum/Senior School
As we near the end of term 3 some of our Year 12 Student Leaders have prepared some thoughts on their time at Kalamunda Senior High School.
Charlotte McCullen (Head Girl)
Year 12 started pretty quickly, we were thrown straight into the deep end with assignments and tests.
The most memorable school days so far, whether there was a test or not, have been the ones where we got to sit out on the grass in the sun and listen to live music from our own school bands during lunch.
We had our last ever athletics carnival at the end of week 7, I loved seeing all the spirit and energy, everyone just giving things a go for their team. I began getting a little sentimental as we were recording some content for our graduation video, videos of everyone working together, smiling and teachers saying farewells. At the end of the carnival all the year 12s came together for a final challenge of tug of war against the teachers. The final score doesn’t really matter but we did win one of the rounds.
As the year 12s reach the final stretch of high school I’m looking forward to celebrating at the ball with my year group at the end of this term before exams begin. Good luck to all the year groups for the rest of the school year! Christmas and New Years will be here before we know it!
Hayden Schwinkowski (Head Boy)
My years at Kalamunda high school have been important, and I’m here to share why as well as giving some advice. Year 7 is the year we all start at high school. It’s a year to learn what high school is about and set the foundations for the rest of your schooling career. Year 8 is where high school gets real and you’re out of the transition stage of Year 7. Year 9 is when you all start getting choices of the subjects you want to do and is a chance to see what you like. Year 10 is the year I remember starting to see the end of the tunnel. You start preparing for the home stretch and is where we all decide our crucial subjects for year 11 and 12 (just a tip, do what you like). Year 11, you’ll start the final stretch. Try your best in Year 11 and Year 12 will be far easier than if you don’t. Year 12 is of course the final year of school. Everything you’ve done or will do somewhat leads up to this year. Don’t put stress on yourself is my advice. And if you feel stressed make sure you use the stress as a way of motivation, and I urge you to use it as an advantage. Thank you and good luck to you all in the future.
Sylvia Veale ( Phoenix Prefect)
What a crazy ride it has been. A total of thirteen years of schooling and I’ve someone made it out alive and semi sane. From Kindergarten all the way to Year Twelve. From many ups and downs, to the good and the bad times. Kalamunda, a school which has looked after me for a large part of my life. As I reminisce about school many memories come to mind. In Year 7, the Bibbulmun Challenge where we tested our endurance and perseverance. Year 8, finally settling down into the idea of actually being in high school. Year 9, where students participated in events such as the triple challenge, as well as our end of year river cruise. Year 10, the year of choices where us students had to decide which classes, we would like to take for Years 11 and 12. The dinner dance which was held at the end of that year. Year 11, a year which probably shocked everyone, the sudden jump from year 10 and 11 was shockingly noticeable, but at the end of the year we were able to celebrate our hard work with another river cruise. Year 12. The big one, a year of anxiety, desperation, but also a sense of independence and euphoria, as we slowly form into young adults. Throughout the years we have experienced many other events such as, Kalamunda Day, sports carnivals, cross country, assemblies, student leadership camps and much more. All these events and little experiences along the way form us and make us who we are today. My time at Kalamunda has been great and I bid a farewell to everyone here.
As we near the end of Term 3, all our Year 12 content has been covered and assessments have been completed. Congratulations to all our Year 12 students! I would like to wish our ATAR students all the best for their upcoming Mock exams. For the ATAR students who have attended the recently held revision seminars, run by Charlie Watson, now is the time to practise some of the strategies that you have learned. I encourage all students to spend time working through previous examinations, as this will assist in your preparation and boost your confidence. Furthermore, it is vital that you have all necessary equipment for your exams. Don’t forget to take well written notes; batteries for your calculator/s; a ruler; a highlighter; and a positive attitude.
It has been great working with a group of Year 5 students this term, in the primary school academic excellence program. Students have been developing their reasoning and problem solving skills, whilst having some creative fun, too! I was impressed with their abilities to manipulate numbers and shapes, and resilience in persevering with the set tasks.
Alanna Webb
Head of Mathematics Learning Area
Kalamunda host Inaugural Lit Conference
During this year’s National Book Week, the KSHS English Department organised and facilitated the inaugural Kala Lit Conference. The hills were well and truly alive with the sound of almost 200 staff and students from across the Perth Hills and metropolitan area sharing their stories, ideas and love of Literature. Throughout the day students took part in lectures, workshops, and a book café that offered an immersive experience into the world of Literature where they gained new insights, perspectives, and ideas.
We were honoured and privileged to host a stellar group of presenters with a vast array of experience, expertise, and wisdom to deliver sessions on the day. Lectures covering Literary concepts such as Shakespearean Context, Representation and Postcolonialism were delivered by Dr. Jo Jones, Senior Lecturer in Literary and Cultural Studies at Curtin University, Claire Jones, President of The English Teachers Association of Western Australia, and Dr Susan Ash, recently retired Associate Professor of English at Edith Cowan University. Workshops covering Close Reading Practices, Editing, and creative writing were facilitated by Dr. Jennifer Shand, Coordinator of the Master of Teaching (Secondary) English Curriculum at the University of Western Australia, Dr Per Henningsgaard, Senior Lecturer in Writing and Publishing at Curtin University, Dr Michelle Aslett, teacher of English and Literature at Kalamunda Senior High School, published poet Lucy Dougan, and author Dr Sue Midalia.
The event was strongly underpinned by our own school vision sharing our forest of possibilities, and we were delighted to be able to share the possibilities that Literature offers with not only our own students, but with those in the broader Literature community also.
“Awesome experience for me; I really enjoyed listening to the different presenters and learning different things from all of them. Had a fun day meeting different people along with getting the chance to learn from the ideas of different students and presenters. Fun and kind service with the book swaps and student gifts as well.” (Literature Student)
“Lit-tastic” (Isaac Boughton, Year 11 Literature Student KSHS)
“invaluable knowledge” (Rohan Harwood, Year 11 Literature Student KSHS)
Karen Stuart
English Head oF Learning Area
Write a Book in a Day
Three teams represented Kalamunda Senior High School in the Write a Book in a Day competition. The teams of eight arrived at school at 7.30am on Wednesday, 25 August and spent the day creating their stories in the library. The students had 12 hours to write and illustrate their stories following pre-requisites set by the competition. It was a rush to finish, and there was panic when one of the computers turned off before everything was saved. Fortunately, all the teams finalised, submitted and published their books The Adventures of Max and Ash, The Science of Brotherhood and Blue Bessy in the set time. The students were supported by Orietta Stokes, Claire Eden, Sarah Adams, Nicolee McNally and Claire Connor. Thanks also to Helen Clues and Tracy Sutton for their support of the students during this incursion.
Nicolee McNally
English Teacher
On the Friday of National Science Week Kalamunda Senior High School hosted the Bibbulmum Network Robotics Showcase. Set around the theme of space, students from local Primary and High Schools worked together in small teams to conquer different coding challenges. It was a fantastic opportunity to practice and develop their skills of problem solving and team work all while building STEM skills.
Amber Bullock
Science Teacher
As a parent you know that your child’s success at school is linked to their wellbeing.
Wellbeing and learning go hand in hand. When your child feels connected to their family, peers and teachers they feel secure in the knowledge that they will be supported throughout their learning journey. Safe and trusting relationships create a positive learning environment where wellbeing can flourish. The Austrlalian Student Wellbeing Framework supports you to work with the school to promote your child's wellbeing and learning.
The new student wellbeing hub is a space where parents can find information and advice about important topics like bullying, online safety, communicating with your child and the school, and much more, to help you make your child’s learning journey a safe and positive one.
Click the link below to have a good look around and you can also stay up to date with resources and Facebook Live events that support student wellbeing.
Amanda Morton
Manager Complex Cases
SkillsWest Careers & Employment Expo
On Thursday 26 August, 40 students attended the SkillsWest Careers & Employment Expo held at the Convention Centre. It gave the students a chance to speak to Registered Training Organisation, industry professionals and businesses about future opportunities and started the discussion about career pathways. Thank you to all students who attended this excursion, they upheld the school values.
Lauren Johnson
Humanities Teacher
The Year 11 and 12 Tourism students spent Friday 3 July exploring Fremantle through the eyes of a tourist whilst meeting the requirements of their certificate course. Visiting the Old Fremantle Prison allowed students to develop an understanding of Fremantle’s past by learning what it was like to be a prisoner up until 1991. We then visited the Fremantle Markets identifying the importance of Tourism to Western Australia’s economy as well as sampling many of the culinary delights and purchasing local products. We then walked down the café strip to end up at the Ferris Wheel, which gave us a bird’s eye view of the coastline and Fremantle. Well done to all the students who attended the excursion as they represented Kalamunda SHS in a positive way.
Lauren Johnson
Humanities Teacher
Celebrating Languages Week
Languages Week happens in August every year and is designed to raise awareness of the benefits of language and highlight the linguistic diversity in our community. At Kalamunda Senior High School, we celebrate multiculturalism and bilingualism and acknowledge the diverse backgrounds of our students. There are many students and staff within our own school community that hear or speak another language at home; this may be of grandparents, neighbours, friends, aunts or uncles, and parents.
Our world is becoming increasingly interconnected and interdependent. Language learning is an essential skill for life in the 21st century, helping us to broaden personal, social, cultural and employment opportunities. Having the basics to speak another language and intercultural awareness and competencies will provide students with an extra “door” or pathway. Language and culture skills are a necessity in becoming a global citizen of the world.
With more than 240 languages and dialects spoken in Western Australia today, Languages Week was a chance to explore and celebrate language learning.
Italian Excursion- Feeding the mind and the belly!
The Certificate III Italian students had an excursion to WA State Library to explore the foreign language book section and also learn about what other resources are available for their future studies. We had a personalised tour throughout the library where students had the opportunity to learn about the Discovery Lounge and Western Australian resources in the Alexander Library section. Throughout this section, which is a temperature controlled environment, students had access to maps, historical newspapers and preserved digitalised version which date back to the late 1800s. Students were allowed access into the microfilm room where hundreds of Western Australian newspapers are preserved on microfilm. Students had fun looking for the newspaper that was published on their birthdays.
Students really enjoyed the learning literacy and language resources. In addition to these, migration stories about war brides, Chinese migrants, Afghan cameleers, European settlement, the 1970s migration wave and post war migration history were areas of interest for the Italian students. Knowing that there are an abundant resources found on the WA State Library portal has inspired students to sought more information about history, migration and their own identities.
After our tour we ventured out to Charlie’s Italian Supermarket in Morley. Students were given a personal tour around the supermarket, learning about the Italian and other European products, how Charlie (the owner) established the business and about the most unique and popular products. Students were amazed at the variety of Italian biscuits, pasta, cheeses, cold meats and jarred goods.
If you have not visited Charlie’s Supermarket, I highly recommend going there for a look. There are wonderful, authentic products, Dolce e Salato (pizza/sweet pastry shop) and a butcher shop that has won many awards for their quality meat. It’s an exciting shop to visit and full of authenticity and Italianita.
Our simulated trip to Italy!
In celebration of Languages Week, Francesca my languages assistant and myself decided to transform the classroom into an aeroplane and take our students to Italy. We set the seats up in rows as well as created boarding passes for entry. Students were greeted by Francesca and myself wearing our special Air Italia hostess costumes and pilot badges. Students were really excited to see what was in store for them! Safety instructions for take- off and landing were spoken in Italian and the sound and visual effects were put into place. Here is a glimpse of the itinerary and what students learnt about along the way:
- Roman landscape (Rome)
- Florence rock festival (Florence)
- Trulli and the tarantella (Puglia region)
- Spaghetti alla Bolognese (Bologna)
- A cello performance in the arena (Verona)
Students were very good travellers and particularly enjoyed the Italian snacks throughout the flight.
Celebrating the beauty of our students!
My Year 7, 11 and 12 Italian students had the pleasure of meeting Year 7 student, Daniel Dunn. Daniel displayed such pride and joy when talking about his Aboriginal heritage. Daniel also introduced us all to a special book that his great grandfather wrote, Pilbara Bushman: The Life Experience of W. Dunn. An intriguing story of part-Aboriginal pastoralist Billy Dunn. While working with Pilbara pioneers. Mr Dunn was encouraged to learn and to achieve. He graduated to managing stock stations and ultimately he achieved ownership of his own station. As Daniel read sections of this book, we learnt about the harsh outback landscape, the richness of the land and also the majestic blue ranges and scouring river beds of the Pilbara. It is more than a story of memories in the outback, it's a collective reminder of the true Australian Spirit. With our resilience, courage and wild hearts that survive the harsh and at times unforgiving terrains that ultimately make us who we are. It was a privilege to listen to Daniel reading a book very sentimental for him and his family.
Daniel taught the students the language from Bunjima Country and of the Nyiyaparli people. It was beautiful listening to his pronunciation and then comparing it to the Italian language. Daniel also brought in photos of Weeli Wolli CreekBunjima Country and his family.
Thank you Daniel for being an amazing part of Languages Week.
Words we learnt from Daniel
- Kaja`- elder brother
- Jankurna- emu
- Moola- moon
- Goonabundi- It doesn’t look good
- Jada- elderly lady
- Mara- hand
- Munga- grandfather
- Goondat- grandmother
- Gunaji- thunder
Maria Pennington
Teacher in Charge of Languages
Indonesian fun during Languages Week!
As part of Languages Week, Ibu Astri Puspitasari, assisted by Pak Allan Gamble and the Cert III Indonesian class, held special Indonesian cultural competitions during Friday lunchtimes, over two weeks. Winners of the competitions were invited to a special Indonesian meal during lunchtime in Week 5. These events also coincided with Indonesia's Independence Day on 17 August.
The competitions were great fun for participants and the meal was delicious. Our sincere thanks to Ibu Astri for her hard work.
Maria Pennington
Teacher in Charge of Languages
On Tuesday 7 September we had our first 'Kala Rock Night'. The contemporary music stream at Kalamunda Senior High School has grown so much over the last few years that it now requires its own concert night. The night featured a whole array of students and instruments ranging from beginner Year 7s to advanced players including Year 11 and 12 Certificate III in Music Industry students.
It was fantastic to hear many bands showcasing original music over the evening. The Year 12s performed an original set as did the Year 10 KPAM students. Many other bands included at least one original song in their sets mixed in with covers.
The casual vibe of the evening was complimented by some amazing performance costumes!
I would like to thank Mr Z for all of his work leading up to and on the night. I would also like to thank Musikal for organising ticketing and helpers at the door.
Marcus Roberts
Music Teacher
Vocational Education and Training
The Apprenticeship Community
You cannot start an Australian Apprenticeship
withoutan Apprenticeship Network provider.The Apprenticeship Community is a community
of all those providers.
They provide support to parents and you can find quizzes, videos, tips and tricks at these links below:
Applications Open for TAFE 2022
North Metro TAFE has put up these Key Dates. Other TAFE colleges will be following similar schedules.
Applications
Applications for full-time courses starting in Semester 1, 2022 will open in September 2021.
Offers
Round 1 offers for competitive courses will be issued in early January 2022.
Round 2 offers competitive courses will be made later in January 2022.
Offers will be available online at the link below and will be emailed.
Go to your local TAFE College for local details:
The Jobs and Skills Centres can assist school leavers in applying for 2022 VET programs.
Apply to TAFE Early
Students who have a disability should get in touch with their TAFE college early so that they have time to make reasonable adjustments to learning spaces.
If special equipment or teaching resources need to be bought or built, that can take time.
Students who don’t give the college time to prepare the work/study space can be unnecessarily disadvantaged while the resources are prepared.
Christine Hamilton
VET Coordinator
ATAR Outdoor Education Expedition
Students in the Year 12 ATAR Outdoor Education class participated in their final group expedition in Term 3. They worked together to develop the activities to be undertaken throughout the 4 days which included hiking some sections of the Cape to Cape trail, Mountain Biking on The Pines trails in Margaret River and abseiling and rock climbing at Wilyabrup Cliffs. The group demonstrated the school values of Respect, Pride, Learning and Resilience throughout the week as they were put through their paces in some challenging stormy weather. They experienced rain, hail and sunshine but walked, rode and climbed with smiles on their faces.
Cert II OREC Abseil at Stathams
The brave students in the Certificate II Outdoor Recreation class demonstrated their roping skills during an eventful abseiling day at Stathams Quarry. Their next abseiling opportunity was at Boya Quarry later in Term 3, where the class could again show their improvements and confidence in their own abilities to rig up abseiling lines.
Athletics Carnival
Friday 3 September saw another successful Interhouse Track and Field carnival where many students put on outstanding displays of sportsmanship, athleticism, participation and teamwork. Congratulations to all participants and champions from the day:
House
House | Girls | Boys | Total | Place |
Draco | 1314 | 979 | 2293 | 1 |
Pegasus | 577 | 651 | 1228 | 3 |
Orion | 551 | 609 | 1160 | 4 |
Phoenix | 507 | 811 | 1318 | 2 |
Novelty
House | Total | Place |
Pegasus | 120 | 1 |
Orion | 114 | 2 |
Draco | 90 | 3 |
Phoenix | 88 | 4 |
Year 7 Lightning Carnival
Congratulations to all Year 7 Netball and Soccer teams that participated in the Lightning Carnival against many schools including Lesmurdie SHS, Darling Range SHS, Lynwood SHS, Willeton SHS, Como SHS, Belmont CC, Cannington CC and Roleystone DH. The Year 7 Netball team won their division in a fierce final game against a tough Darling Range. Year 7 boys finished 3rd overall. Missing out on the final by only goal difference.
Year 9 OAP Expedition
The Year 9 Outdoor Adventure Expedition saw students ride mountain bikes around some trails at the Calamunda Camel Farm and then to Carinyah Hut on the Munda Biddi trail to camp for the night. After one of the coldest nights on record in Perth, students were up early and ready for their ride back to school. Along the way we stopped at some local Kalamunda Mountain Bike trails to test out their technical skills.
Year 8 OAP Expedition
Towards the end of Term 2, the Year 8 Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) students set out from school to hike to the Hills Discovery Centre. The hike was approximately 22km and the OAP students walked with determination and pride and made it safely to their camp destination. Students then began setting up their tents and prepared a nutritious dinner. On day two of their expedition, students participated in an informative nature activity at the Discovery Centre.
Year 10 OAP Expedition
The Year 10 OAP students walked the northern half of the Cape to Cape late in Term 2 from Gracetown and ending in Cape Naturaliste. The students walked 49km of the trail over three days with full packs. They demonstrated their leadership, team building, survival and bush walking skills.
Health Expo
The Year 12 General and Year 11 ATAR Health Studies classes produced some interactive and informative booths for our Health Expo held in the school gymnasium on 31 July. There were many stalls that focused on National Health Priority Areas and other important health issues in our community. Students from Year 10 Health Education classes walked through the expo and enjoyed their time. Many students left some positive feedback, noting the most informative and interactive displays as their favourites. Health Studies students were required to share information through interactive and informative ways to engage their audience.
Topics included:
- Alcohol abuse
- Smoking and lung cancer
- Mental health and anxiety
- Personal hygiene and spread of disease
- Sexual health and spread of STIs
- Excessive consumption of sugary foods
- Obesity
Alice Hall
Health and Physical Education Teacher
What an incredible month it has been for our Year 8, 9 and 10 KPA students! After months of rehearsal, planning and excitement. we performed Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr to sold out crowds over the weekend of 27 and 28 August.
The audience responded very positively to our amazing students who performed their hearts out over three performances. Michelle Vivian (our vocal director) and I were so incredibly proud of each and every student involved and the efforts they put into the show as a whole. The students demonstrated stamina, resilience, a commitment to community and incredible pride in their efforts bringing the show to life.
Behind the scenes we have Rosie Walker and Grace Oorschot to thank for their vocal and acting coaching, and the whole school community for helping bring it all together; from the front office and administration team for helping organise the programme, photography, and assisting our families with information and in purchasing tickets, to the many individuals in the school staff who helped with creating costumes, props, and their general support for all of us involved.
A final thank you must go to all our KPA families for their support, whether it was getting students to early morning rehearsals or simply attending the performances; it is all appreciated! I was delighted to see so many ex KPA students as well as many of our Year 7 students in the audiences.
We received the following review from Perth Theatre stalwart, Jarrod Buttery:
Thank you for the opportunity to attend the final dress rehearsal for Beauty and the Beast (Jr) by the Performing Arts Students at Kalamunda Senior High School.
Whereas last year’s Aladdin opened to a bustling and boisterous middle-eastern marketplace, the start of Beauty and the Beast was powerful in its simplicity. The narrators explained how an arrogant prince refused a simple act of kindness and was subsequently cursed to become a beast. The actions are mimed upstage, in shadow, accompanied by the haunting theme music. This was a beautifully effective prologue which set the scene and impressed upon us that the clock is ticking…
THEN we have a marketplace, where we meet Belle. Sara Ledesma is petite but feisty, with a lovely voice and stage presence. Being a final rehearsal, there were groups of primary school kids in the audience. Later in the show, when Sara emerged in Belle’s iconic yellow dress, there were audible gasps from around the auditorium. Simply stunning.
Okay, let’s face it—high school drama is dominated by girls. Ariel and Eric: both girls. Aladdin and Jasmine: both girls. But for Beauty and the Beast, one really needs (at least) two strong male performers. And Daniel Thorne rose to the occasion as the Beast. He was suitably growly in his terrific costume, respectful and courteous in the ballroom scene, and handsomely princely for the dénouement. Very tall, he made a great contrast with Sara—picking her up during the dance was a nice touch.
One also needs a Gaston, and Brandon Waterfield gave a masterclass on how not to approach girls. (#Me Too) In this, he was ably supported by strong sidekick Lefou, played by Imogen Alexander, who threatened to steal every scene she was in. Belle’s eccentric inventor father was brought to the stage by Samantha Clements, who was doing a very good job of homaging Doc Brown from Back to the Future.
The forest—again—was effective and stunning in its simplicity. Students holding branches would have been okay, but students holding illuminated branches conveyed an eeriness which made the scene pop. And I really liked the wolves (played by Year 8 students) who brought genuine menace with their movements.
Horror of horrors! Upon reaching the castle in the woods we find that the poor souls therein had been transformed into furniture and crockery! Fortunately, this did not prove too bloodcurdling for the aforementioned young audience.
We have a third strong male! Alex Tickner as Cogsworth was channelling C-3PO via voice, walk, and constant attempts to appease his master. Chloe Ward was a lovely Lumiere—especially considering how long she had to hold her candles in the wind. She got her moment to shine when leading “Be My Guest” which—of course—is one of the signature songs of the show. Alice Walton-Cherrie portrayed a maturity beyond her years as the motherly Mrs Potts—who led the OTHER signature song: “Beauty and the Beast”. Able support was provided by Trinity Hewlett-Banning (Babette), Isabella Harris (Madame De La Grand Bouche), and Caitlin Seaward (Chip) in the castle scenes.
And there was a suit of armour! Where did you get that great suit of armour? Whoever was in there moved very forcefully and armourly. (Is that a word? It is now.)
Maya Bird (there were three Mayans listed in the cast) as the bookseller had a nice early scene as one of the only villagers who didn’t scorn Belle. Felicity Smith had a great costume and a strong presence in her small role as Monsieur D’Arque—but she had fun in the Mob Song. The very tall Jemma Dunster made an effective Enchantress and had a glowing smile as one of the village girls.
Maya Bird—along with Abigail Letts, Tomas Powell, and Kate Whalley—portrayed the narrators, who regularly advanced the exposition. They were a little drowned by the sound mix during this rehearsal, but that’s what rehearsals are for—to iron out kinks and optimise the tech. The narrators did a good job of moving the story along.
I’ve mentioned a handful of names but there are 87 students in the show! 87! And they were all contributing! Whether it be wolves or walls, villagers or servants, everyone had their part to play. Perhaps none moreso than the primary character who never said a word. Isabella Eaglefield impressed as the Enchanted Rose. In an emerald green tutu with scarlet petals she was always dominant when on stage—subtly, continually reminding us of the fateful countdown—but never, ever distracting from the action. Her balletic moves brought elegance to the narrative and a touch of colour and beauty to the otherwise austere castle. In this, she was very effectively assisted by three gold-clad ladies, flanking and mirroring her movements. I don’t know how much of this was in the stage directions, or how much came from the director, but either way, the effect was simply beautiful.
Speaking of gold-clad students, there were plenty of those—as the castle walls came alive, evoking Jean Cocteau’s 1946 film adaptation. The subtle movements contrasted wonderfully with some amazing acrobatics! Cartwheels, splits, flips—other movements I can’t even describe—all featured in some of the action scenes. There was one young chap (all in black) who did a cartwheel without using his hands! And some of the girls went beyond even that! Tomorrow’s talent is sickening…
That’s a joke. The talent, enthusiasm, and commitment of these young performers was very much enjoyed and appreciated. However, good as they were, they needed guidance. Once again, the incredible (it says so in the programme) Musical Director, Michelle Vivian, got 87 (87!) students singing in tune and in unison. When you hear those timeless, award-winning songs filling the auditorium, it brings tears of joy to one’s eyes (manly tears, that is).
And although she had help, one guiding force pulled all this together. Anna Head is the Kalamunda Performing Arts Coordinator and she has created this triumph. Because last year’s production of Aladdin was COVID-delayed until the end of 2020, Anna and her team had a much shorter production run for this 2021 show. But she gave these students memories that will last a lifetime as she created this thing of Beauty (and the Beast).
Thank you and congratulations to everyone involved. Chookas (not break a leg) for an amazing season.
Kind regards,
(Dr) Jarrod Buttery
President, Harbour Theatre
Secretary, Blak Yak Theatre
Life Member, Independent Theatre Association
The rest of the year will be spent preparing for our end of year showcase which is scheduled to be held on 23 November. We look forward to seeing you all there!
Anna Head
KPA Coordinator
The Drama Files
Term 3 has been an absolute cracker for the senior school students; we’ve enjoyed excursions to see two fantastic, and very different productions:
- “York” on original production based on over 200 real-life accounts, written and presented by The Black Swan State Theatre Company. This play was at times genuinely scary and ultimately very moving and;
- “Minneapolis” an edgy, contemporary play at the Subiaco Performing Arts Centre written by Will O’Mahony, presented by Performing Lines WA. This play explored the notion that something posted online, is there forever…
Year 12 ATAR Drama Students
Charlotte Bradford Charlotte McCullen
Alex Winterbourn Myfy Walster-Jones
Year 12 General Students
Jordan Farrar, Levi Rossi, Chloe Corfe, Hannah Brown, Bailey Burden,
Zoe Simpson, Isabella Pulford
Chloe Corfe Jordan Farrar, Levi Rossi
Bailey Burden, Hannah Brown Isabella Pulford
The Year 12 ATAR students have been busily preparing for their upcoming WACE performance exams; and performed for an intimate audience their scripted monologues and Original Solo Productions. The Year 12 General students ran the event, operating lighting and sound, acting as ushers, stage crew, back-stage manager and camera operator. The roles were then reversed, with the General students taking to the stage to perform duologues, monologues and a scripted production of “The Tell-Tale Heart” an adaptation of the original story of Edgar Allan Poe, with ATAR students operating lighting and sound. These performance nights impressed me with just how well the students all pull together and support one another to produce quality productions. A huge congratulations to all involved and a massive thankyou to all who came to see it!
I would like to wish the ATAR students “chookas!” for their upcoming WACE practical performance exams, MOCK written exams and to the General students for their final work placement and beyond. To the graduating class of 2021, take a bow! Watch this space for the upcoming year 11 Showcase night in Week 1 of Term 4.
Aundraea Stevens
Drama Teacher