eNews - Term 2, Week 11
-
Principal's Report
-
Walk for Reconciliation
-
Artist in Residence
-
Scribblers Festival
-
Science News!
-
Music
-
Arts - Big Day Out
-
GeoDay - UWA
-
Student Servcies
-
Nan's High Tea
-
Year 10 - Course Counselling
-
Student Council Report
-
Future Agriculture Students!
-
Koordoormitj Institute - Girl's Academy
-
Workplace Learning
-
Phys Ed News
-
Year 7 - Basketball Tournament 2021
-
New Build Progress
Principal's Report
Kaya to parents, caregivers, students and Kiara College staff.
Semester 2 in every school is often the busiest and most productive for students and staff, this term has been no exception. As we head into the holidays after a four-day lockdown, I wish to acknowledge your contribution to the progress and achievement of our students. This should become evident when you receive student reports via Connect and we welcome the opportunity to meet early in Term 2 to discuss goal setting, course changes and alignment to needs, or the provision of extra service to improve outcomes for our students.
There are some staff changes which will take full effect in Semester 2. Nurse Willow has secured a new position after completing six years working as part of our Student Services team. She has worked with students in need, improved health and welfare outcomes and has been a vital team member. Luke Giblett (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Officer) who has been with us for almost a year, embarks on a teaching degree at Melbourne University. Luke’s ability to develop a strong connection with students, has indeed enriched the success and opportunity for many of those he has worked with. Ms Dumont (Business Support Officer) takes up a 6-month contract as Manager Corporate Services and we thank her for her diligence and work ethic and wish her success in her new role. We also have welcomed Mr Wegelaar who recently joined our Mathematics Department. Already he has made a positive impact, and students have responded well to his teaching style with respect and productivity.
Once again there have been numerous incursions and excursions including: Scribblers Festival, Artist in residence, Walk for Reconciliation, The Arts Perth City excursion, numerous TRG workshops, Senior Volleyball Carnival, Year 9 Lightning Carnival, Nan’s High Tea, Armed for Life resiliency course, WAAPA Indigenous Storytelling workshop, Games Bus Reward incursion and GeoDay to name more than just a few!
Our building program continues and the Performing Arts and Student Services buildings are on track for completion early October. Additionally, retaining walls, landscaping, garden beds (including 6-seasons) are progressing nicely. Works will commence shortly on revamping the Well-being Centre and also construction of an outdoor, undercover Basketball Stadium, extending and replacing four of our old bitumen courts into 3 full-size courts, 2 of which will be undercover.
Best wishes for the Semester break and please stay safe and well.
Warm regards.
GRANT BROWN
Principal
Walk for Reconciliation
Kiara students took action - joining Reconciliation WA's 'Walk for Reconciliation' to demonstrate support and solidarity for the reconciliation movement. They listened to local elder Liz Hayden give the Welcome to Country and heard about Eddie Koiki Mabo, whose campaign for Indigenous land rights led to a landmark decision that overturned terra nullius. They represented our school with pride and helped us take another important step on our journey towards reconciliation. Students were also interviewed by news presenters!
Artist in Residence
During June, the school was lucky enough to host Deborah Bonar as an Artist in Residence. She is an amazing artist who worked with groups of students to paint a beautiful mural, that will be placed outside the Arts block. The image is a birds eye view of the school and the surrounding streets and roads. This ties in with what the students in Year 7 & 8 are looking at in the Visual Art program. Everyone had a fantastic time working with a professional artist and we thank Deborah for enabling us to create a brilliant, beautiful artwork that can be enjoyed by students in years to come.
Scribblers Festival
On 28 May, 27 students from Years 7-10 visited the Scribblers Writer’s Festival at Subiaco Arts Centre. The students enjoyed a fun-filled day of author talks, question and answer sessions and a bookshop visit. It was terrific to see the students so excited about reading and books. Topics ranged from a story about a beehive-shaped world under the sea to a book about teenage superheroes! Some lucky students won prizes and all went home with a huge smile on their faces.
Science News!
On Friday afternoon of Week 9, Mr Stephen's Year 7 Science class, took to the challenge of protecting a fleet of ‘Egg Soldiers’, who were ready to be called into battle.
The soldiers were due to be deployed from the second story of the science building at the end of the lesson, and students were tasked with using limited resources (newspaper, string, tape, and plastic bags) to create a parachute for the soldiers to make a safe decent to the ground.
Applying the students’ knowledge of forces, they quickly thought of ways they could both limit the impact force when the soldiers would hit the ground, and how they could maximise the air resistance force to slow the soldiers speed as much as possible.
The count-down was on to design, build, test and redesign their parachute with many methods and ideas being used despite the similar resources available. At the end of the lesson, students had their chance to launch their parachute off the balcony and hope their soldier would make it safely to the ground.
In the end there were a couple casualties where the students’ design didn’t go to plan, but in the end all the students had a great time applying their knowledge to the problem and creating a solution to the forces of gravity and air resistance.
Music
The Music Department were very lucky to have Pre-Service Teacher, Tom Purdy from ECU, work with Mrs Hamer and Mrs Leggo for five weeks this term. Mr Purdy worked with all year groups, focusing on improving students performance awareness - Tuning, Timing and Tone!
He was a great help with the ensembles. We wish him all the best for his future studies!
Arts - Big Day Out
On 14 June, all the Year 7 students participated in an arts excursion to the city to immerse themselves in a number of Arts experiences.
Students visited the Museum Boola Bardip, had a "CAT" tour of the city, toured the State Theatre, and participated in Dance workshops. A Street art tour was the last activity on the list and by the end of the day students were EXHAUSTED!!
It was a great day and the weather was not too unkind.
GeoDay - UWA
On Friday 25 June, a number of our Year 9 and 10 students attended UWA for the university’s annual GeoDay. Students learned all about what’s involved in studying a Geography degree and the career opportunities a qualification in this field can provide.
The day was spent learning about the future challenges facing Perth by 2050, investigating the many uses of Geographic Information Systems, taking a brief jaunt around Matilda Bay for some practical fieldwork before capping it all off at a Q&A session with UWA staff and students.
Student Servcies
There has been a lot happening in Student Services this term, here is just a few!
Armed for Life
On Monday the 21 of June, we had a guest speaker from “Armed for Life” come and speak to all students in Years 7 through to 10. Armed for Life exists to help students increase their wellbeing and mental health, to better their resilience through practical and helpful advice.
Their ultimate purpose is to help students become healthy and functioning individuals.
Adam ran sessions on healthy friendships, decision making and resilience. All students were highly engaged, asked some thought provocing questions and gained practical information that they can implement into their daily lives.
Altitude Day
On Monday 31 May, a group of Year 9 students attended Altitude Day at the Perth Convention Centre. Through a blend of inspirational talks and energising group activities, students learnt how to become active and inspiring leaders of their school and community.
Students gained advice on how to make good choices, build their confidence and make a difference from three inspiring guest speakers, all whilst forming a strong network of peers from schools across the region. Altitude Day provided an environment where students could step outside the classroom to truly understand what it means to be a leader.
It was an informative and fun day and all students represented Kiara College exceptionally well!
Game Bus- Reward Incursion
On the 23 June, all students from Years 7 through to 12, who had exceptional attendance of 95% and above got the opportunity to play video and virtual games in the Games 2 Extreme bus. Even some staff had a go! The students were definitely in their element and had a fun time!
Nan's High Tea
Many of our beautiful Nan's entered the doors of Jillies on 17 June.
Student Services and KOYA Corporation provided an Afternoon Tea to honour and appreciate the wonderful care that Nans and Grans provide to our students.
They enjoyed treats, gourmet food and gift hampers. Whilst engaging in conversation. There was an abundance of storytelling relating to caring for family, through which encouragement was provided to one another through conversation. Being together fostered connections and caring support.
In future, we hope to continue events such as this, which create opportunities for people to come together and build a strong sense of community at Kiara College.
Year 10 - Course Counselling
We understand how confusing it is, knowing which courses to select in Year 11 & 12, that will lead your child into the career they are aspiring towards. Course Counselling for our Year 10 students will be held in Week 2, Term 3. Bookings will be available on Session Keeper from Tuesday, 20 July.
Get in quick to secure your preferred teacher and time slot!
Student Council Report
2021 has definitely had an impact on Kiara College. Despite the downs of Covid-19, there has definitely been many ups, and I am pleased to join with the Student Council, and the school in recognising our achievements.
This year, our School Captain's introduced a new council system that allowed each individual councillor, to have a role and be involved in all events planned. The proposal was put to a vote, and the decision was unanimous! Jonnabel and Ronna’s idea has definitely increased involvement of the Student Council.
We started the Semester rocky, however tried our hardest to make it enjoyable for our peers. Events such as KiaraSurf, Harmony Week, ANZAC Service, and IDAHOBIT Day received positive feedback from students and teachers. The Student Council will continue to make the rest of this year at Kiara College inclusive and fun. Look forward to the upcoming NAIDOC Week in Term 3, and a possible Winter Sleep Out at the school!
On behalf of the Student Council, let me also acknowledge our cleaners for keeping our school safe and Covid-free, along with the rest of the college staff for their continuing commitment to providing a positive, and productive learning environment at Kiara College.
Thank you, and enjoy your break (although, possibly indoors or with a mask on!)
Nargis Rezayi
Student Board Representative & Student Councillor
Future Agriculture Students!
Kiara College's Year 9 Agriculture students have been busy this term, preparing for, and hosting farm excursions for three classes of Kindergarten students from East Beechboro Primary School. This is one of our local intake primary schools. The visiting Kindergarten students were super excited for their first bus ride, first visit to a farm and maybe their future high school!
The Agriculture students guided the Kindergarten students through a two hour, hands on learning experience where they held chickens, collected eggs, fed lambs, met our pet sheep “Shaun”, looked at cattle, touched yabbies and explored the farm during a farm walk. The Kindergarten students put our Agriculture students to the “test” asking lots of really interesting questions.
The visits also provided an opportunity for some of our students that attended East Beechboro Primary, to reconnect with their Kindergarten teachers, Ms Clohessy and Ms Rampukar. Our students received some really positive feedback from the teachers, education assistants and parent helpers. With a special mention to Kiara College student, Malachi Sears who was an absolute standout in his role as a teacher and a salesperson for the schools Agriculture program.
The farm excursions are important as they extend classroom learning, raise student awareness of where their food and clothes come from, and promotes Kiara College as a future option for high school – “A school with a farm”.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Agriculture Program, please contact us!
Koordoormitj Institute - Girl's Academy
Earlier this year, Koordoormitj Institute became the new provider for our Girl’s Academy. Koordoormitj Institute is based in the City of Swan and it comes under KOYA Aboriginal Corporation. Thisis an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, that has operated in Midland since 2006.
Kiara College would like to introduce you to Cheryl Thomas, the new Girls Academy Program Co-Ordinator. Cheryl Thomas is Noongar Ballardong, Wongutha woman, who has been working Koordoormitj Institute since 2019, and before that at Swan Districts Football Club V Swans Community program. Cheryl brings with her experience working in Aboriginal employment and community engagement programs.
Cheryl says she looks forward to taking on the new role, meeting and working with all the Kiara College Aboriginal students, especially those girls that will be part of the Girl's Academy.
The Kiara College Girls Academy will continue to provide a wide range of activities designed to help students thrive at school, including things such as in-class support, group homework sessions, mentoring, extra-curricular and personal development activities, health check-ups, career and employment assistance, cultural activities and special camps or excursions as an incentive to maintain school attendance.
Workplace Learning
Our Upper School students enrolled in WPL have had some amazing opportunities this Semester to develop their work skills and gain valuable industry knowledge and experience.
We would like to thank the following businesses, including all our local business supporters:
Crown Perth | Eden Hill Primary School |
Coffee Club Ellenbrook | Lockridge Primary School |
Bridgestone Select Morley | Overflow Café |
Belvoir Equine & Breeding Centre | Juniper Carramar |
Ella Bache’ | City of Swan |
M&B Building Products | Briteforce |
TL Engineering | Pro Paint WA |
Denco Industries | Better Pets & Gardens |
Beechboro Mechanical | Rebel Sport |
Child Australia ELC | Butler Interiors |
Sparx ELC | Jim Kidd Sports |
Phys Ed News
YEAR 9 LIGHTNING CARNIVAL
On Wednesday 16 June 2021, Year 9 students competed in the North East Regional Lightning Carnival. Kiara College performed very well, with results as follows:
Boys Basketball “A” Division: 1st Place
Boys Basketball “B” Division: 1st Place
Girls Netball “B” Division: 1st Place
Girls Volleyball: 3rd Place
A big thankyou to Senior School students who assisted with the important roles of coaching, scoring and umpiring. The upper school students involved were: Harry Nelson, David Simelolo, Jhett Ugle, Darcy Criddle, Nakia Newberry, Annabella Teiri, Fatima Alashiqi and Ma Hermielyn Marquez.
OLYMPICS UNLEASHED
On Tuesday 18 May our Year 9 and 10 Volleyball and Basketball students were involved in the Olympics Unleashed program. Olympics Unleashed takes Olympians into schools to inspire and motivate students to be their personal best.
Kiara College students were fortunate to have Jennifer Reilly discuss her life journey with them. Jennifer is a 2 time Olympian who has also represented Australia in 3 Commonwealth Games (getting a gold medal in 400m Individual Medley in 2002).
PIONEERS BASKETBALL
Students in the Basketball Program at Kiara College have been fortunate to have the Pioneers Basketball Corporation assist with lessons during Term 2. The Pioneers Aboriginal Corporation uses basketball as a vehicle to improve the social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of its participants.
Since their involvement, student engagement and enjoyment has elevated. Having extra coaches (including Glenn Ellis, a former Perth Wildcat and State Basketball League Head Coach) on hand also enabled more corrective feedback to be given, improving student performance. A number of our students have also taken up the opportunity to be involved in the Pioneers afterschool basketball clinics.
"Thankfully during Week 4, Term 2 Pioneers Aboriginal Corporation (PAC) had the amazing opportunity to engage with the Aboriginal boys, from Year 7 to 10 at Kiara College. Our role model program was welcomed by staff and students, and as such we were able to make some incredible inroads, not only increasing attendance, impacting behaviours and attitudes of our young men, but to expanding our leadership and mentorship to these aspiring young people. PAC are extremely grateful and hope we are able to continue with this partnership."
- Pioneers Aboriginal Corporation
Year 7 - Basketball Tournament 2021
Our journey towards being the Year 7 Champions for the 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament began when we we created a chant and a song. This helped to encourage and support our magnificent Year 7.4 class.
Our chant went as followed:
7.4 who are we and who do we represent. We are the mighty 7.4! !? Aa Oooo
7.4 gonna ROCK!
7.4 gonna ROLL!
We’re gonna gonna give it to ya! x2
We gonna give it to ya! x2Harold gonna pick n roll…. Roll
Tyson gonna break your knees…. Oooooooo
Marley gonna hit the 3’s!We’re gonna gonna give it to ya! x2
We gonna give it to ya! x2
SONG
Don’t hold that ball too long….
Just pass it right along…..
Play the game the mighty 7.4
Play the game.
Pass it here pass it there…
Don’t pass it anywhere…..
We are the team to play…..
So don’t hold that ball too long….
Just pass it right along…..
Play the game the mighty 7.4
Play the game.
Ooooohhhhhh YEAH!!!!!!!!
Everyone was an important member of our team, however; Tyson, Marley and Jamahl were our starting 3. Jamahl was lucky to be nominated to the starting 3, as voted by the whole class. Our team was cool, calm and collected, having confidence in one another to get the job done. The word spread that we had a NBA star in our midst (Marley). Other teams were shaking in their boots.
The mighty 7.4 juggernaut overpowered all other teams. With a sense of excitement and happiness we were ready to die for our team. All of our efforts and hard work paid off.
We dominated the tournament!
Our team was acknowledged, when Marley was named MVP. The trophy was handed to him and was thoroughly celebrated by all. I was very proud of my kids, as they all played an important role on the day.
A huge thank you to Miss Hall for organising an awesome event. It was an opportunity for the students to showcase their skills, their comradery in a different but engaging forum. A thank you must also go out to the “Pioneers” boys for officiating on the day, and to the Executive staff, Mr Brown, Ms Stevens, Mr Sullivan for being there to aid and support this great event.
Matua Epiha and the 7.4 Class 2021