Kiara College Newsletter - Term 1, 2023
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Message to Our Community
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Kiara College Represents at Altone Comes Alive
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An Early Start to Wagin for the Annual Woolarama
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Harmony Day #everybodybelongs
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Getting Ready for a Bright Future with ABCN Goals
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Shooting Stars Participate in the West Coast Fever Dress Blessing Ceremony
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Alpacas Visit Kiara College Farm
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Celebrating International Women's Day
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Term 1 Zooms by for HaSS
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Exploring & Learning in Technology
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Maali Takes Out the Cup at Kiara Surf
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Student Reflection About Their TAFE Experience
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Nigerian Dwarf Goats a New Addition to the Farm
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Clontarf Academy Takes Off at Kiara College
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Great Response to the Big Picture Education Meet & Greet BBQ
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Dressed for Success at the Workplace Learning Induction Day
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Aboriginal Cultural Incursion a Hit with Students
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Important Dates to Add to Your Calendar
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Stay Connected with Compass and Connect
Message to Our Community
To the Kiara College Community,
With Term 1 completed, it is important to take stock of the past 10 weeks and reflect upon the positives that have occurred after a turbulent 2022.
The impact of the pandemic left a long lasting residual effect upon our overall school attendance. However, with renewed vigour and some tweaks with our Student Services Team to encompass a dedicated Attendance Officer, we have seen a positive upward trend across all cohorts towards our pre-Covid attendance rate.
We welcomed several new staff to the College at the beginning of the year who have all settled in well and added value across our teaching and learning areas. As part of our increasing student support structures we also welcomed the Clontarf Foundation to Kiara College who will open their doors officially in Term 2.
NAPLAN has occurred for the first time in Term 1 of the school year, another round of OLNA down and the first time for our Year 10 cohort. Multiple excursions, incursions and sporting events including the famous KiaraSurf have taken place, all delivering positive outcomes and experiences for our students.
Thank you to our staff for your ongoing endeavour in providing the platform for students to springboard from into their futures. Thank you students for your positive engagement and resilience. And thank you parents & caregivers for your ongoing support and commitment to our work.
We all look forward to the rest of the school year ahead and hope you all had a safe and happy school break.
Kiara College Executive
Kiara College Represents at Altone Comes Alive
Kiara College was well represented at Altone Comes Alive with staff and students setting up some fantastic displays to promote the opportunities we offer. The Kiara goats and sheep were there, along with some very fluffy chickens that the public were able to pat and hold. Farm grown watermelon was well received by everyone, and a photographic display of numerous school activities showcased the wide spectrum of learning activities available at Kiara College.
An Early Start to Wagin for the Annual Woolarama
26 Specialist Agriculture students from Years 9-12 left Kiara College at 5.00am on a Friday morning in March to head off to Wagin for their annual Agriculture Show, Wagin Woolarama.
Students were assigned tasks that included looking after and preparing the White Suffolk sheep for judging. They also had the opportunity to visit a great range of interactive stalls that showcased the agriculture industry, highlighting best farming practise, innovation and sustainability, machinery, equipment and technology in farming.
It was a great experience for our agriculture students, and a wonderful way for them to learn more about the industry from other schools and farming enterprises.
Harmony Day #everybodybelongs
This year, the theme for Harmony Week was #everybodybelongs. It recognises our diversity, and celebrates bringing together all Australians from their many different backgrounds. Our students were engaged in a variety of activities during the week including bracelet making, basketball games (teachers versus students), tile paining, hoola hoop competitions and a photobooth. Music from around the world was played during recess and lunch. In their Noongar Language classes, they learned more about each other and their friends as they shared some of their family history, along with their hopes and dreams for the future.
Everyone enjoyed a breakfast from around the world that consisted of croissants, crepes, pancakes, and fried rice...a delicious combination that was a culinary represetation of some of the different cultures within our College.
Getting Ready for a Bright Future with ABCN Goals
The ABCN Goals program is designed to build student's confidence and teach the importance of goal setting. Sixteen of our Year 9 students have been matched with a corporate mentor and will work on activities that include goal setting, communication, personal strengths, interview skills and preparation for the workforce.
The first session for 2023 was centred around ice breakers and getting to know each other through fun activities.
Shooting Stars Participate in the West Coast Fever Dress Blessing Ceremony
West Coast Fever are the West Australian based team that play in the National Suncorp Netball League, and were the winners of the 2022 Premiership season.
The Shooting Stars girls were part of the official ceremony of presenting each player with their 2023 First Nations Round dress, and then the smoking / cleansing process of the dresses.
The girls represented Kiara College and the Program with pride and respect, and were excited to meet the netball team.
Alpacas Visit Kiara College Farm
The Kiara College Agriculture Program was provided with the unique opportunity for approximately 70 Agriculture students to participate in an Alpaca shearing demonstration at the College Farm during the term. The alpacas were from a staff member's family farm, and loved the attention from the students.
Celebrating International Women's Day
For International Women's Day and beyond, let's all #embraceequity2023
The aim of this year's theme, #embraceequity, was to open conversations about the importance of equity, it's impact on everyone, and why equal opportunities are necessary. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action from everyone, and for everyone.
By promoting and embracing International Women's Day at our College, there were many interesting discussions in classrooms and the playground for students and teachers.
Term 1 Zooms by for HaSS
Term 1 has been a whirlwind in HaSS. We welcomed back Ms Hall and Ms Simenson. 2023 has seen us joined by a new teacher, Michael Carcione, and a new HOLA, Angela Bartels.
Year 7 HaSS students learnt about rules in society and the importance of the Australian Constitution. Students were very creative, designing games and referencing the concepts that had been taught.
For Year 8 students, Australia’s democratic processes was the key concept for one of their tasks in Term 1. They were asked to actively participate through the production of an informational resource. The topic was student choice and demonstrated the freedoms we enjoy as Australians.
Ms McKenna’s Year 9 HaSS class were actively engaged in the mock trial of "Goldie Locks versus the State of Western Australia”. Students volunteered to take on the different courtroom roles including Goldilocks (the accused), Judge, Juror, Sheriffs Officer, Defence Counsel, and State Counsel, and before long the trial was in full swing. The Jurors deliberated on the evidence and the Judge maintained proper procedures throughout, ensuring it was a fair trial. The jury was unanimous in it's guilty finding for Goldie Locks, and she received an 18 month prison sentence along with a $36,000 fine.
Exploring & Learning in Technology
Yr7 Design & Technology
Students have spent the term designing and making their Ball Launcher with the theme of the Olympic Games. We used our numeracy skills to mark and measure where we needed to cut, drill and shape. We learnt about the importance of health and safety in the workshop to complete tasks. This project was a great introduction for using basic workshop tools and equipment – students did a fabulous job, especially those using workshop equipment for the very first time!
Yr8 STEM Extension
This term, students have had the opportunity to learn about smart materials - what they are, what they can do, and how they can be used. There are SO many that exist as technology continues to advance. We used polymorph and learned what happens when it is heated, and then cooled. It begins as small fragments of plastic which can be manipulated once it has been left in hot water for 60 seconds. We manipulated the material to create our ‘monster magnets’. When left to cool, the material returns to its solid state. This is why it is a smart material – it remembers its original solid state and can be manipulated over and over again. Students had fun creating their weird and wonderful monsters!
Yr9 STEM Egg Drop Challenge
This term, students were given a challenge – protect the egg at all costs! It was a group-based challenge where problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration were key. Each group were provided with the same ‘pack’ of resources. Students were given a total budget to purchase extra items and they were not allowed to go over their budget. It was a great opportunity to link numeracy and literacy skills within this task. It was brilliant to see the different approaches to designing and making their egg protection device. We tested each one, to destruction – our favourite part of this task!
Maali Takes Out the Cup at Kiara Surf
Kiara Surf was much enjoyed by all who attended, with sunshine and fun being the order of the day!
Students were excited to spend the day at Mullaloo Beach with their high school friends participating in a great range of activities, both on the sand and in the surf.
Senior Champion Boy KiaraSurf 2023 | Dylan Greenhill |
Senior Champion Girl KiaraSurf 2023 | Taylor Brown |
Year 10 Champion Boy KiaraSurf 2023 | Diontae Isaacs |
Year 10 Champion Girl KiaraSurf 2023 | Caitlin Collard |
Year 9 Champion Boy KiaraSurf 2023 | Nathan Greenhill |
Year 9 Champion Girl KiaraSurf 2023 | Nikilah Carson |
Year 8 Champion Boy KiaraSurf 2023 | Erfan Shahrestan |
Year 8 Champion Girl KiaraSurf 2023 | Isabella Haigh |
Year 7 Champion Boy KiaraSurf 2023 | Andrew Foster |
Year 7 Champion Girl KiaraSurf 2023 | Laqueisha Kelly |
Lower School Ironwoman KiaraSurf 2023 | Nikilah Carson |
Lower School Ironman KiaraSurf 2023 | Nathan Greenhill |
Upper School Ironwoman KiaraSurf 2023 | Jessica Carson |
Upper School Ironman KiaraSurf 2023 | Dylan Greenhill |
Congratulations to all winners!!
The Champion House was Maali (Yellow), and there was a lot of celebrating as Karak/Phoenix have been reigning champions since 2017!! Congratulations Maali!!
Student Reflection About Their TAFE Experience
"Hi, my name is Jhae Ong.
I am currently doing the Certificate II in Kitchen Operations at TAFE Joondalup. This was an opportunity that was given to me by Kiara College.
It is a two-year course about health and safety in a kitchen, and learning all the different types of cooking. On the first year you are learning all the different types of cooking, from baking to deep-frying.
I am currently on my second year where I am in a proper restaurant. It is called the Pavillion Restaurant which is located on the TAFE Joondalup campus.
I have been exposed to a kitchen environment and have been able to join a cooking competition for the whole of Australia. I placed 3rd and it was a fantastic experience.
I highly recommend applying for a course at TAFE through the VET Delivered to Secondary Students Program."
Nigerian Dwarf Goats a New Addition to the Farm
Kiara College is one of a handful of schools in Western Australia with a Specialist Agriculture Program. A working farm is co-located on the Kiara College site in the outer suburbs of Perth. Most of the students do not have a background in farming but have an opportunity to learn hands-on practical skills on the farm from Year 7 through to Year 12. Many students follow a vocational pathway and have a vast range of careers in Agriculture at their disposal, particularly at the moment given the current strong demand for jobs for regional workers.
In 2022, the College worked with a renowned dairy goat breeder, Trevor Blight, to plan and bring a new dairy goat enterprise to the Kiara College farm. Adding dairy goats to the existing poultry, sheep and cattle enterprises has provided many educational benefits to our students. The smaller size of the Nigerian Dwarf breed, their friendly nature, comparatively high milk yield, and small environmental footprint has made them an ideal choice for our College. As can be seen in the photographs below, the students are highly engaged and captivated with the new additions to our farm.
This year, Kiara College and our students are looking forward to breeding goats, and hopefully showing off the baby goats, and their handling skills at the Perth Royal Show towards the end of the year. In the longer term, with the support of expert breeders like Trevor, we hope to inspire a new generation of the benefits of dairy goats to ensure the continuation and expansion of the industry.
Clontarf Academy Takes Off at Kiara College
With the soft opening in Term 1 of Clontarf Academy at Kiara College, the objective was to get the Academy rooms set up, get to know the boys, register as many as possible, and set the foundations for a full program from Term 2.
The forcus for Term 1 was the Senior Year 12 boys as they are nearing the end of their school journey. A major aim of the Clontarf Academy Program is to have these boys finish Year 12 and be employment-ready with all employment documents completed. This will help make the transition from school to the workforce, or further education opportunities, as smooth as possible.
A key event for the term was the Leadership Ropes Course. Aimed towards the Year 12 boys, it tested their leadership skills, and provided an opportunity for them to step outside their comfort zone by being in an environment that was unfamiliar to them. We also had 5 lucky boys participate in the Clontarf Academy Cup (with the Coodanup Clontarf Academy), a major inter-academy football carnival. It was the perfect opportunity for them to see what a major carnival looked like, and taught them what to expect when we have stand-alone Clontarf Academy - Kiara teams participating in football carnivals.
Great Response to the Big Picture Education Meet & Greet BBQ
Recently students in our Big Picture Education Academy hosted a barbeque for parents and teachers to get to know what the Program was all about. It was a huge success with many parents commenting on how mature and responsible the students were. The Academy would like to thank all who came and supported the students in their hard work, we hope you enjoyed the cook up!
The following day, some of the students attended our Workplace Learning Induction Day where 2 of the Big Picture Education students won ‘Best Interview’! Congratulations Michael and Ella !
Dressed for Success at the Workplace Learning Induction Day
We held our Workplace Learning Induction Day at the Swan Active Leisure Centre earlier in the year. Students were treated to guest speakers sharing lots of information about Work Readiness, Brick & Block Careers, Emplyment & Career Pathway Information, Electrical Career Pathways, Hospitality Career Pathways, and Defence Force Careers. It was a great way for the students to learn about employer and job expectations that will be of great value when they are heading in to the work force from people well versed in each area.
The Rotary Club of Crawley assisted with conducting mock interviews where students "dressed for success" and go through the interview process. The Rotarians were very impressed with how our students presented and conducted themselves.
At the end of the day, there were awards and prizes for Best Dressed and Best Interviews:
Best Dressed
Paw Eh Hsoe
Dylan Medbury
Special mention to Michael Watson, Shaun Pickett and Shannen Navarro.
Best Interviews
Shakyra Haji-Ali
Hannah Skeet
Michael Watson
Paw Eh Hsoe
Luke Edwards
Aboriginal Cultural Incursion a Hit with Students
We were excited to welcome Dr Clint Bracknell (music-maker and language revivalist), Rubeun Yorkshire (Noongar, Yamatji and Wongatha creative and illustrator) and Bobbi Henry (Associate Artist and Associate Producer) to Kiara College during Term 1.
Dr Bracknell has researched traditional Noongar tales, and has composed music to go with them. Along with Rubeun and Bobbi, he shared traditional tales and songs that have been handed down for over 100 years, and taught dances to students that they will be able to perform during the year.
Important Dates to Add to Your Calendar
OLNA (Year 10) | Monday 1 May - Friday 12 May |
Year 7 Immunisations | Thursday 4 May |
Kiara College Ball (Years 11-12) | Friday 5 May |
ESTs (Year 12) | Monday 8 May - Friday 26 May |
IDAHOBIT Day | Wednesday 17 May |
National Sorry Day | Friday 26 May |
Reconciliation Week | Saturday 27 May - Saturday 3 June |
Year 12 Exams | Monday 29 May - Thursday 1 June |
Anniversary 1967 Referendum | Monday 29 May |
Indigenous Veterans Commemorative Service | Wednesday 31 May |
Walk for Reconciliation | Friday 2 June |
Mabo Day | Saturday 3 June |
WA Day Public Holiday | Monday 5 June |
Year 11 Exams | Tuesday 6 June - Friday 9 June |
Math Exams (Years 9-10) | Tuesday 6 June - Friday 9 June |
Year 10 Immunisations | Friday 16 June |
Teen Mental Health First Aid | Tuesday 20 June and Tuesday 27 June |
White Card Training (Years 9-12) | Wednesday 28 June |
Semester 1 Report - Parent Teacher Meetings | Wednesday 28 June |
Stay Connected with Compass and Connect
At Kiara College, we communicate with our families through Compass and Connect.
COMPASS allows parents to view positive behaviours, attendance, contact teachers, book Parent Teacher Interviews, and send absentee notes.
You can login to Compass at https://www.compass.education/compass-features/compass-for-parents
The Compass app is available for free on the App Store and Google Play.
CONNECT includes notices and updates from the College, student school reports, preview attendance, course outlines, teacher notices regarding your student's course, class work, contact teacher, student achievements, newsletters, and lots more.
You can login to Connect at https://connect.det.wa.edu.au
The Connect Now app is available for free on the App Store and Google Play.
More information about Compass and Connect is available in the Parents section on our website https://www.kiaracollege.wa.edu.au/ , including Parent Guides, Frequently Asked Questions, and how to download the Apps for both platforms.
Please contact our Administration Office on 6235 7000 or email kiara.college@education.wa.edu.au if you require assistance to access Connect or Compass.