The Marella Muse
| York Rd, Kellyville NSW 2155 | (P) +61 2 8824 5955 | (F) +61 2 8824 9755| |www.kellyville.h-schools.nsw.edu.au | (E) [email protected] |
| www.twitter.com/KellyvilleHS | www.facebook.com/KellyvilleHS |www.instagram.com/KellyvilleHS | Kellyville High School Learning | Excellence | Integrity
VOLUME 15 – EDITION 6 28 May 2018
Kellyville HS We are a vibrant and innovative learning community that is committed to delivering excellence within a rich and diverse learning environment. Every student has the opportunity to achieve their personal
best through engaged, active learning in a safe, respectful and supportive school. Page 1 | 7
CALENDAR CHECK
2018 | Term 2
W5A Tue 29 May ICAS Science _________________________________________________________________________________________________
W6B Tue 5 Jun P&C Meeting 7pm (Library)
Thu 7 Jun Recognition Assembly
Fri 8 Jun SEC Fundraiser – Pyjama Day _________________________________________________________________________________________________
W7A Mon 11 Jun Public Holiday – Queen’s Birthday
Wed 13 Jun ICAS Spelling
NAPLAN Stronger Standards – Writing
Thu 14 Jun NAPLAN Stronger Standards – Reading
ICAS Writing
Thu 14 – 15 Macquarie Zone Athletics
Fri 15 Jun NAPLAN Stronger Standards – Numeracy
Sun 17 Jun P&C Bunnings BBQ @ Rouse Hill _________________________________________________________________________________________________
W8B Wed 20 Jun Drama Performance Evening
Fri 22 June Yr 7 LOTE Restaurant Excursion
Business Studies Incursion _________________________________________________________________________________________________
W9A Tue 26 Jun Subject Selection Evening
5pm – Year 8 / 7pm – Year 10
Wed 27 Jun Captains Speeches
Thu 28 Jun Yr 8/11 Vaccinations
Fri 29 Jun Yr 7 LOTE Restaurant Excursion
Wizard of Oz Trivia Night _________________________________________________________________________________________________
W10B Tue 3 Jul Yr 8/9/10 Parent Teacher Evening
Thu 5 Jul Leadership Induction
Fri 6 Jul Last day of Term 2 _________________________________________________________________________________________________
2018 | Term 3
W1A Mon 23 Jul School Development Day (staff only)
23 Jul - 3 Aug Year 12 Trial HSC Exams
Tue 24 Jul #Second2Days
Wed 25 Jul #Second2Days _________________________________________________________________________________________________
W2B Tue 31 Jul ICAS English
1 – 3 Aug Yr 11 Urban Challenge _________________________________________________________________________________________________
CELEBRATING SUCCESS
RELAY FOR LIFE | Congratulations to all the staff and
students involved!
FINANCE COMMITTEE | It was great to have four
student representatives attend our most recent
Finance Committee Meeting!
The Marella Muse Vol 15 | Ed 6 28/05/18
Kellyville HS We are a vibrant and innovative learning community that is committed to delivering excellence within
a rich and diverse learning environment. Every student has the opportunity to achieve their personal best through engaged, active learning in a safe, respectful and supportive school. Page 2 | 7
Emerald City Success
On Monday the 21st of May, we held a fundraising day for
KHS’s 2018 Musical – The Wizard of Oz! This day was a HUGE
success - more than $2100 was raised on the day! We had a
BBQ, cake stall and fairy floss. Thanks to all the staff, students
and Mrs Szybowski and her fairy floss team for working so
hard to make this day so successful.
Other fundraising dates:
On Sunday the 17th June we are having a Bunnings BBQ at
Rouse Hill to raise further funds for the musical. Please let the
CAPA staff know if you can help us out.
On Friday the 29th June we are having a Trivia night held in
the school hall. Come and join in the rainbow fun and support
the students at KHS!
Mrs B Smith
Teacher, Music
Year 12 Connect
Hello Class of 2018! It has been
great seeing all of you working
hard this term and taking part in
various activities representing the
school. I have recently had
amazing feedback about the
maturity and commitment that this year group put forth in
providing feedback about our school during our recent Year
Meeting. This data is invaluable as most of you have been at
KHS for nearly six years and know our school the best.
The most recent Study Skills session was about University
early entries and scholarships. Mrs Dolan (Careers Advisor)
and I were able to meet up with Year 12 students and discuss
which universities offer early entry and how to locate the
different types of scholarships. There is an abundant amount
of information on the web of what each university has to offer
students. Year 12s were given time on the computers to
complete their own research and utilise the different hard
copy resources on university programs that Mrs Dolan had on
offer. It was wonderful to speak to students one-on-one about
their future aspirations. If you missed out on the session and
would like to some information about early entry programs
and scholarships, please come see me in the staffroom. Mrs
Dolan is available in her office and more than happy to discuss
your options for the future.
Remember, if at any time you want to have a chat about your
goals or if you have any concerns in general, please feel free
to come see me or any other staff that you connect with. We
are in this together.
Class of 2018 – you’ve got this!
“The victory of success is half won when one gains the habit of
setting and achieving goals”. ~ Og Mandino
Mrs A Yurkowski
Year 12 Adviser
Faculty Focus (CAPA)
Shriya D of Year 7 has
been playing the piano
since she was in Year 2.
Q: Do other members
of your family play
music? Is it a big part of
your everyday life?
No one in my family
plays an instrument but
music is definitely a big
part of my everyday life.
Q: Do you participate in music activities outside of school?
Yes, I have piano lessons every week.
Q: What has motivated you to continue music in your high
school years?
Singers who sing and play an instrument have motivated me
as well as my wonderful and inspiring piano teacher.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your music making?
I enjoy playing along to popular songs in my spare time.
Mrs B Smith
Teacher, Music
The Marella Muse Vol 15 | Ed 6 28/05/18
Kellyville HS We are a vibrant and innovative learning community that is committed to delivering excellence within
a rich and diverse learning environment. Every student has the opportunity to achieve their personal best through engaged, active learning in a safe, respectful and supportive school. Page 3 | 7
Faculty Focus (LOTE)
Some exciting events and opportunities coming up in the next
few weeks!
Education Perfect World Championships
It will be held between the dates of 21st May to 31st May. All
language students are eligible to participate in the
competition. This is separate to the Language
Perfect/Education perfect activities that students have paid
for. There is no cost for participation in the competition.
Individuals are encouraged to log on at home in order to
contribute to the total marks of their class. There would be
one or two occasions where the whole class has the chance to
complete activities during the school day. At the end of the
Kellyville High School class competition, the winning class will
be decided based on the average number of points gained by
their group. There will be a grand prize of pizza to the value of
$100, to be shared one lunchtime.
Although KHS is conducting its own competition, we are part
of the wider community of state and international schools.
Points earned are automatically added to that competition as
well. EP awards participation certificates to students, who
individually achieve more than 500 points.
Restaurant Excursions
For Japanese students, the day includes lunch at the Japanese
teppenyaki (iron and grill) restaurant, Okori, in Granville, as
well as a visit to the Auburn Japanese Gardens. The French
students are going to “The Little Snail” restaurant in the city.
Please return permission notes as soon as possible.
Years 7H and 7K on Thursday 22nd June, leaving school after
period 1, and returning before the end of school.
Years 7E, 7S and IEF students on Friday 29th June, leaving
school after period 1, and returning before the end of school.
Years 7R, 7A and Year 11 Japanese Beginners on Friday 29th,
leaving school after period 1, and returning before the end of
school.
Half Yearly Exams
Japanese and French Yr 7 students are scheduled for Week 4,
Thursday, or Week 5 Monday. Revision and practice of
language patterns should refresh some of the earlier speech
sequences.
Mrs M Goldie & Mrs A Yurkowski
Japanese Teacher | French Teacher
Matthew S is headed to Phoenix, Arizona!
Matthew’s Hip Hop Dance ‘crew’ received a SILVER Medal in
the Nationals to qualify for the World Hip Hop Championships
in Arizona this August! The crew are representing the
Australian team. They have started a Go Fund Me page, if you
are able to assist, please click on the link:
www.gofundme.com/noflex-journey-to-worlds
Alumni 2016 - Congratulations Adam!
On a beautiful, sunny but breezy day in Goleta, at the
Sandpiper Golf Course, the Reedley Tigers played in the 2018
Men's Golf State Championships. The tournament consisted
of 60 total players, 4 teams and 6 individuals from each region
Adam Nelson finished as the Overall Tournament Medallist,
shooting a score of 69-72 = 141 (-3), making him the 2nd Tiger
golfer in school history to take home the Individual honours at
the State Championships!! The Tigers had a very successful
season, winning the Central Valley Conference, the Northern
California Regional Championships, and finishing in the Top 3
in the State, and best of all the Northern California teams.
There are many talented young Tigers returning for the 2019
season, and the future is extremely bright!
The Marella Muse Vol 15 | Ed 6 28/05/18
Kellyville HS We are a vibrant and innovative learning community that is committed to delivering excellence within
a rich and diverse learning environment. Every student has the opportunity to achieve their personal best through engaged, active learning in a safe, respectful and supportive school. Page 4 | 7
Hills Relay for Life
Congratulations Kellyville! On Saturday 19th May through to
Sunday 20th May for 24 hours, Kellyville High was represented
at the annual Hills relay for life. Over the 24-hour period our
staff and students kept our relay tag going, achieving over 200
laps, all in the support of the Cancer council. The purpose of
the event is to rally together as a community and support
those impacted by cancer. As a team we raised over $3300.
Considering this is our first time entering, this is an amazing
effort. Over the duration of the event we had lots of fun
chatting, eating food, watching the entertainment, and
enjoying the comradery between all the people attending.
I would like to thank all staff and students who were involved.
A big thank you to parents who made it possible for their
children to attend, especially those in the early hours of the
morning. A special congratulation to Trent T of Year 12, raising
over $610, a huge effort Trent. Another big thankyou to
Johnny’s Pizza and Pasta at West Pennant Hills who donated
some pizza to some very hungry staff and students in the
middle of the night. Tristan Smith from the front office, your
Orana delivery, participation and support helped to make this
event possible, thank you.
Throughout the relay the staff and students had plenty of time
to talk about how we can go bigger and better next year as it
was such an amazing atmosphere, and one that Kellyville
again wants to be involved in. Stay tuned for next year as we
plan to beat the amount raised this year and have a lot more
staff and students involved.
Mrs J Gentle & SEC Students
SEC Coordinator | Teacher, PDHPE
Sydney West Netball
From the 29th to the 31st of May I competed at the NSWCHS
Netball championships as a part of the Sydney West team. The
past three days have been 3 of the greatest days in all of my
netball experiences.
Day 1 of the tournament Sydney West won 3 out of the 4
games played. Day 2 of the tournament Sydney West won all 4
games played. Day 3 of the competition Sydney West won
their final 2 games played.
Overall Sydney West came away with an equal first! Being one
of only a couple of girls not from a sports high school, I was
very happy with the way I played.
Being chosen to be a part of the Sydney West Team competing
at the NSWCHS was a reward itself. To end the tournament
with a win was even better with a score of 28-24 against
Sydney South West, who have been undefeated for many
years.
Miss Indianna G
School Captain | Yr 12 Student
COMMUNITY NEWS
… … … Parenting Ideas: Children on the Autism Spectrum
… … … Studio Artes – Music for people with Disabilities
The Marella Muse Vol 15 | Ed 6 28/05/18
Kellyville HS We are a vibrant and innovative learning community that is committed to delivering excellence within
a rich and diverse learning environment. Every student has the opportunity to achieve their personal best through engaged, active learning in a safe, respectful and supportive school. Page 6 | 7
When you think about advocacy for a child on the autism spectrum, what springs to mind? Is it the lobbying on the television by interest groups? Is it signing a thought-provoking petition online? Is it a carer trying to push for support at school when life is spiralling out of control for their child? Or is it working with a therapist to try and access a new school/service?
It is all those things and so much more.
If you have a child or adolescent on the autism spectrum, advocacy is something that you may be very experienced in. However, even if you are new to this situation, being able to be effective as an advocate in meetings is essential when supporting your child at school.
Advocacy can be incredibly draining. Depending on the meeting, there may be instances where you hear about every one of your child’s challenges while on the inside you are yelling, “But you can’t see all the good things!” You may be called in to help make decisions on reduced attendance or to hear the outcome of funding news. At secondary school, the need to communicate with each teacher individually often intensifies as they may not have the same communication system as existed at primary school. This requires additional advocacy efforts.
So, what can you do to advocate well for your child or adolescent in a meeting situation?
Understand the purpose of the meeting. If it is not clear, ask the reason for the meeting at the time it is called. It can be incredibly hard to think logically and recall information when surprised or shocked. Emotions can make us feel so unsure or overwhelmed that we struggle to respond well. By knowing the purpose of a meeting in advance, you can potentially think through some ideas, plan and problem solve in advance.
Know your rights. This is a big one. It is good to be clear, before you enter a meeting, what support you can ask for or what the processes are when a major decision is made. If your adolescent has had their school hours reduced, is there a plan to reintroduce those hours and a timeline for that? Other carers who have had similar experiences may be able to assist by sharing their experiences. The education department in your state will have a document outlining their program for students with disabilities. Download, print and read this thoroughly. If you have therapists supporting your child or teen, you could ask them for advice.
We're a Parenting Ideas school parentingideas.com.au/schools
How to better advocate for your child on the autism spectrumby Kate Johnson
insights
POSITIVE PARENTING
Understand your value. Your voice matters, so don’t see yourself as ‘just the carer or parent’. You are not ‘just’ a parent/carer but an important part of your child’s village of support. You see the impact of positive strategies and some that need to be assessed. As the carer, you support your child in various environments and can describe approaches that may work well, are supportive and provide for sensory regulation.
Be proactive and attend with ideas. When you know the purpose of a meeting, you can come armed with ideas and strategies to discuss. Is your adolescent’s anxiety overwhelming them? Could they benefit from regular sensory or movement breaks using a discrete card so as not to draw unwanted attention? Does the work need to be broken up into sections? Does your child need support to navigate the playground or could the school look at establishing a lunch time club or activity group?Your ideas are valuable and deserve to be heard.
Take a support person. Sometimes, having a support person in a meeting can change the dynamic, especially if there are additional barriers to receiving support. This may be a partner, a supportive friend, an advocate or your therapist – anyone who could add value to the meeting.
Take notes. After the meeting you might need to think about the approach you will take to further advocacy. You may need to engage additional therapy for your child or adolescent. You may need to seek advice and support if you feel something seems a bit ‘off’ and is not in line with the responses you receive at home. Having notes to refer to at a later stage can help trigger your memory, make follow up calls and track progress.
You may have had an amazing meeting experience, or it could have rocked you to the core. Regardless of how you go in a meeting, it can emotionally drain you. There is something to be said for the therapeutic cry in the car to release emotion. Give yourself space to process and feel it all. Let it out and chat to a supportive and understanding friend. Be kind to yourself!
For more ideas on advocating well for your child, you may like to check out our new resource from Spectrum Journeys called ‘The Advocacy Project – a parent’s guide to becoming their child’s best advocate’ and learn from the women who have shared their advocacy lessons and triumphs.
Kate Johnson
Kate is the Founder and Director of Spectrum Journeys Inc, a not for profit Autism service that equips and empowers families and educators as they support children on the Autism Spectrum to flourish. Kate leads an amazing team in the Outer East of Melbourne and focuses on practical Autism education as well as community projects and supporting carers. Kate is married to Joel and they have 4 beautiful children (their eldest being on the Autism Spectrum).
We're a Parenting Ideas school parentingideas.com.au/schools