eNews - Term 3 Week 10
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Principal's Report
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NAIDOC Week
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Dance Mentors Represent Kiara College
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Touring Urban Perth
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Exploring the Perth Zoo
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Understanding Homelessness in Our Community
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World Skills Day
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Contemporary Ensemble Festival
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Kiara'lympics
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Notre Dame University Experience for Year 12 Students
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Fast-Food Field Trip
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Co3 Dance Academy
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K-Fest 2021
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Soirée
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Paraders Day
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ABCN Goals Update
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Big Picture Guest - Sarah Lakay
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Inspiring Australians at UWA
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Koordoormitj Institute - Girls Academy
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Students Attend a P.A.R.T.Y. with a Difference
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Cruising the Swan River
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Wireless Hill Cultural Excursion
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Cross-Cultural Visit to Kings Park and Yagan Square
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RYDA - Supporting Our Students to Stay Safe on Roads
Principal's Report
Kaya to parents, caregivers, students and Kiara College staff.
With Term 3 2021 completed, it is well worth reflecting on the achievements and resilience shown by students, parents, caregivers and staff. Thank you to staff who continue to find ways to enrich the learning process at Kiara College.
The College continues to build on our strengths with the support of our parents and caregivers, family and community. Our operational processes are driven by meeting the academic, social and well-being needs of the students and providing them with pathways for future success. We seek continuous self-improvement as well as build collective capacity to improve outcomes for all students by offering engaging and meaningful courses, and enabling growth and opportunity for broadening pathways and choice.
Our focus of building on success and nurturing positive and supportive relationships with students, parents, caregivers and staff, is fundamental to our continued success, inclusive of key stakeholders sharing an understanding of Our Vision.
Throughout Term 3 we have seen a number of engaging and interesting excursions, incursions and enrichment activities. These include: National Farm Skills Competition, Paraders Day, NAIDOC Week, homework and breakfast club, RU OK Day, Follow The Dream Program, Koya Girls Academy, Kiara‘lympics, volleyball/football and basketball competitions, to name just a few.
As parents and educators, our experience shows us that the more our students put in the more they get back, so I encourage ongoing participation in extra-curricular activities.
Our building program is close to completion and we will run after-school tours of our new facilities from the middle of Term 4. These facilities will undoubtedly be well used with our students excitedly looking forward to the next phase of our development.
The new area supports our annual growth over the past 4 years of 8-10% to a current enrolment of 580 students. With this growth we are able to offer more diverse courses, classes and pathways for our students.
Thank you again to the extended Kiara College community for your continued support.
Take care and stay safe
GRANT BROWN
NAIDOC Week
With NAIDOC Week falling in the school holidays, Kiara College held our celebrations from 2 to 6 August.
Students participated in classroom activities and discussions that looked into the meaning of Country and what we could do as a community to achieve the goals of this year’s theme, Heal Country.
Noongar Elder, Neville Collard, conducted a smoking ceremony at the front of the school while students walked in, after which he led a yarning session about Healing Country around our fire pit. Many of our students participated and found it an enriching experience that they will be able to reflect on in years to come.
During breaks there were a range of activities available for students at Jillies including the opportunity to add their thumb print to art work representing the 6 seasons that was created by AIEO (Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer), Ms Rodney.
We had an exciting basketball play-off between our Kiara College team and the Pioneers, with the Pioneers winning for the second year running however it was a very close game and we nearly beat them! The Kiara College tamare already practising for next year’s game where they plan to make a big come-back!
Some of our students, along with AEIOs Ms Garlett and Ms Rodney, made a sand mural in the canteen quadrangle in preparation for the NAIDOC Week assembly. The sand mural represented the Derbarl Yerrigan (the Whadjuk Noongar name for the Swan River) and streams connecting to the river, along with the pathways of ancient songlines that the Whadjuk Noongar People would follow.
Our assembly was well attended by special guests, family, friends and members of our local community. Ms Garlett gave a heartfelt Acknowledgment of Country and was then followed by our Master of Ceremonies and keynote speaker, Hayley Alone (Year 12 student, Kiara College), who talked about the NAIDOC Week 2021 theme, Heal Country.
A special presentation was made to Kiara College by Shane Beros, former Australian Rules football player and Ambassador for the Swan Districts Football Club, in recognition of our ongoing partnership with the Club.
With the support of John Kookaburra playing his yidaki (a didgeridoo with a flared shape where the mouthpiece end of the instrument is slimmer than the bell end), several students and our AEIOs performed some powerful traditional dances that impressed everyone present, dancing the sand into the ground and connecting boodja (earth) to boodja (land).
In addition to this, our students and visitors enjoyed special performances by Flewnt and Optamus. Noongar and Wongi man, activist and hip-hop artist Joshua Eggington, performs under the name Flewnt, and works to empower and educate Indigenous youth and the wider Australian community on culture and truth-telling through hip-hop. Veteran rapper and youth worker Scott Griffiths, performs as Optamus, entertained our guests with some hip-hop including a song that he had created with our students.
Our week-long celebration finished with students playing traditional games on the oval.
We thank everyone for their contributions and participation in NAIDOC Week, it was wonderful to see our community come together to celebrate the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Dance Mentors Represent Kiara College
Several Year 8 Indigenous students were selected to mentor students at West Beechboro Primary School in Contemporary Aboriginal Dance for their NAIDOC Week assembly.
They enjoyed working with the primary school students over a two day period and then participating in the assembly, and were great representatives of Kiara College.
Touring Urban Perth
Our Year 12 Geography ATAR students embarked on a tour of the Perth metropolitan area recently to have a firsthand look at the different functional zones within the city. Some zones were viewed from the safety of the bus but a number of stops were made along the way including Claisebrook Cove in East Perth, Kings Park and Midland.
It was a glorious day and they enjoyed a lovely morning tea in Kings Park before continuing the trip through the CBD and on to Midland.
The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all, and our students appreciated the opportunity to get out of the classroom and experience the curriculum from a different perspective.
Exploring the Perth Zoo
It was a slightly damp and overcast day for the Year 12 Human Biology ATAR class when they visited their primate relatives to assist with their learning on human evolution.
They were able to compare anatomy and behaviours, as well as identify similarities and differences between members of the Great Ape family.
An interesting discussion was had about the significance of dreadlocks and facial hair that prompted further research into Orangutans.
Understanding Homelessness in Our Community
Students from Years 10, 11 and 12 enjoyed an overnight sleepout on campus where they got to participate in a range of programs designed to raise awareness and money for the homeless.
Following a presentation about homelessness, there were many things to do including scavenger hunts, card games, cooking and a bonfire with toasted marshmallows, always a big hit particularly on a chilly night.
Initiated by our Student Council, the Senior School Sleep Out was a successful evening with money raised being donated to Mission Australia.
World Skills Day
Kiara College hosted the World Skills: VETiS Primary Industries Competition 0n Friday, 27 August. The competition involved students handling livestock, tractor driving, erecting fences (e.g. electric fences) and connecting a mower to the tractor, which is not as easy as it sounds and takes a lot of skill.
For the first time, there were WA competitors in the VETiS category of Primary Industries with the WA Team comprising of students from WA Colleges of Agriculture - Cunderdin and Harvey. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, competitions were held in different states with two judges and a steward at each location as well being assessed remotely by chief judges and auditors.
We welcomed special guests including Sally Panizza, Director Agricultural Education, as well as some of our local primary schools who attended with teachers and students.
We wish the WA Team luck and look forward to hearing the results when they are released at the National Awards Ceremony in October once all states have completed their competitions.
Contemporary Ensemble Festival
On Sunday, 29 August students from Years 7–11 performed at the annual Contemporary Music Festival hosted by the Instrumental Musical School Services (IMSS).
Students in the Junior Band, led by IMSS teachers Mr Wayne Slater and Ms Rita Han, performed two songs for a large audience of peers and parents. Their set started with a cover of "Everybody Talks" by Neon Trees and was followed by "Summer Nights" by SIAMES & Barbie Williams. The students from Years 7–10 performed beautifully and both songs were well received by the audience.
Students in the Certificate II of Music Band, led by Mrs Hamer, focused on presenting three songs as a part of their Units of Competency leading up to the performance. They began their set with "Beggin’" by Måneskin followed by "Good 4 U" by Olivia Rodrigo and finished with their own rendition of "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley. Despite a few minor set-backs, the students were extremely happy with their set and the audience enjoyed their performance.
Both groups are awaiting adjudicator feedback and their Certificates of Participation.
Congratulations to all students that performed, it was definitely a memorable event and one that made Mrs Hamer and Mrs Leggo very proud of the students' achievements.
Kiara'lympics
It was a glorious day for our annual Kiara'lympics recently held on Friday, 3 September.
With many family and friends attending on the day to support the students, we also welcomed some former students who wanted to pop in and say hello and support their old teams.
At the end of the day's competition, Centaurus was declared Champion House.
Final Placings
1st Place | Centuarus | 2,504 points |
2nd Place | Orion | 2,208 points |
3rd Place | Phoenix | 2,188 points |
Individual Year Champions
Year 7 Champion Girl | Nikilah Carson |
Year 7 Champion Boy | Jett Eades |
Year 8 Champion Girl | Caitlin Collard |
Year 8 Champion Boy | Jamie Hayden |
Year 9 Champion Girl | Anne-Marie Simelolo |
Year 9 Champion Boy | Brennan Stack |
Year 10 Champion Girl | Jessica Carson |
Year 10 Champion Boy | Ethan Styles |
Upper School Champion Girl | Ellie Skinner |
Upper School Champion Boy | Jhett Ugle |
Congratulation to all winners, and well done Centaurus!
Notre Dame University Experience for Year 12 Students
The Year 12 Geography ATAR class had the opportunity to attend a Revision Seminar at Notre Dame University in Fremantle on Saturday, 11 September. After meeting at 7.00am the Bassendean Train Station for an early start, students and teachers embarked on the train journey to Fremantle. Along the way, they saw examples of the many planning strategies they have been studying and were able to discuss what they have been learning versus how it looks in reality.
The seminar was very informative with our students taking a lot of notes, as well as obtaining good insight into what to expect in the upcoming WACE Exam.
After the seminar, the students all enjoyed a Korean BBQ lunch on South Terrace, otherwise known as the “Cappuccino Strip”, before heading back to Bassendean.
We thank Notre Dame University for providing our students with a valuable opportunity that will assist them greatly in their exams.
Fast-Food Field Trip
It was an excursion with a difference on 15 September when the Year 11 Geography ATAR class set off on a field trip to McDonald’s Restaurants in Beechboro and Tuart Hill to research fast-food production and consumption as part of their studies.
Their hosts were very accommodating and provided a great deal of information on the fast-food industry. A tour of the kitchen at one of the stores was an eye-opening experience as the students got to see what it was like on the other side of the counter.
The students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to explore the curriculum from outside the classroom, as well as having the opportunity to eat something different for their lunch.
Co3 Dance Academy
Kiara College secured an 8-session residency by Co3 called “UNDER THE SAME SKY” for the Year 11 Dance General class. The program provided a unique opportunity that connects WA students and teachers with the State’s flagship professional contemporary dance company, Co3 Contemporary Dance Australia. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the students to work with industry professionals, and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience and got a lot out of.
WAAPA Lecturer in Dance, Claudia Alessi, worked tirelessly with the students from Week 1 in Term 3, resulting in a spectacular grand finale performance at K-Fest!
Claudia was extremely impressed by the natural talent of our dance students and when she showed their work to the Co3 Director, they were excited to confirm they will continue to work with the College next year.
Co3 Engagement Associate, Jessica Lewis, was thrilled to attend K-Fest and was so impressed with the performance that she sent the following feedback:
“The group danced together as such a strong and cohesive ensemble, truly committing to the movement and dancing in such a powerful, expressive and captivating way. I cannot believe you all created a piece of that calibre in 6 hour long sessions. Huge congratulations to your incredible students. It was also so beautiful to see the amazing display of the birds and photos you had created out the front! Everyone at Co3 was so delighted when I showed them the photos.”
Well done to our talented Dance students, we are so proud of your dedication and powerful performance at K-Fest!!
K-Fest 2021
Our Music, Dance and Big Picture students worked very hard during class, recess/lunch breaks and after school over the past semester in preparation for K-Fest, our annual showcase of our student's talents, and is a great opportunity for them to perform to a live audience.
It was a fantastic evening with acts ranging from singers and dancing, to solo/duet and band performances. It was obvious how much fun the students were having and the very receptive audience rocked and swayed to the music, and were captivated by the talented dance performances.
Kiara College is lucky to have some outstanding talent in our student body, and with over 300 audience members, it’s safe to say K-Fest rocked the house!
A massive thank you to the staff and helpers including the Big Picture Education students who were an integral part in the facilitation of the day and a big thank you to Ms Knowles, Mrs Hamer and Mrs Leggo for their dedication and work supporting the students to help them achieve greatness.
We would also like to thank Rita Han, Tegan Whelan and Wayne Slater from Instrumental Music School Services (WA) and Claudia Alessi from Co3 Dance Academy for working with our students during and after school, ensuring each student shone with their performances on the night.
We look forward to sharing the growth and development in the Performing Arts learning area in 2022 and beyond when our new Performing Arts Centre opens and enables us to produce many more performances and displays such as K-Fest.
Official K-Fest photographs will be available soon so watch this space!
Soirée
After a year’s hiatus, the Kiara College Soirée was held on Wednesday, 12 September. Students from Design and Technology, Home Economics, Media and Visual Art collaborated to create an amazing exhibition that was a great reflection of their skills in each area.
Thank you to everyone for their support leading up to, and during, the evening and a big thank you to the Canteen for their exceptional catering!
It was fantastic to see so many family and friends coming along to see the results of our students’ hard work and we look forward to seeing everyone at the Kiara College Soirée in 2022.
Paraders Day
On Friday, 17 September the Agricultural students competed in the annual Sheep and Cattle Parading Competitions at the Kiara College farm.
These events enabled students to showcase their competence in handling, preparing and leading animals to invited dignitaries, parents, caregivers and student peers.
The Year 10 Specialist Agriculture students were involved in the Sheep Showing Competition using the College's White Suffolk Kiara Stud ewes and lambs. The judge was Sarah Blumer, who is a Research Officer & Lecturer at Murdoch University with extensive experience in showing Wiltshire Horn and Wiltipoll stud sheep. Results in the Sheep Showing Competition were as follows:
Annual Sheep Showing Competition
1st place - Jessica Beard
2nd place - Cody Hancock
3rd Place - Ethan Styles
The Year 11 & 12 Certificate II in Agriculture students competed in the Cattle Paraders event. This involved grooming and leading steers sourced from our own cattle breeding program or Muchea sale yards. The judges were Kim Haywood and Brian Schneider, who both have extensive experience in the cattle industry. The results were as follows:
Principals Trophy – Champion Cattle Groomer & Leader
1st Place - Johselyn Castillo
2nd Place - Miralyn Castillo
3rd Place - Jamie Keenan
Congratulations to all winners, and well done to all participants - it was a great day that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, and it was wonderful to welcome our VIP's, parents and caregivers to see firsthand what our students have been learning on the farm.
A special note of recognition must go to Ms Skillman & her Specialised Agriculture Year 8 class who provided invaluable assistance on the day.
ABCN Goals Update
A group of our Year 9 students attended the final ABCN Goals session on 15 September.
They received certificates from their mentors and spoke publicly in front of the group about their experience and shared how their mentors have helped them. Some students have secured casual jobs from the skills they developed during the five sessions which is a massive win and something to be very proud of.
In addition to this, another group of Year 9 and Year 10 students participated in the ABCN Future Thinkers program. Future Thinkers aims to build creative and innovative problem-solving skills through the process of design thinking.
Design thinking is a human-centred approach to innovation increasingly used by organisations to transform challenges into opportunities. It encourages developmnet of a solutions based based mindset.
This year Westpac Banking Corporation’s first experience participating in the program, and Kiara College was chosen by ABCN to link in with them, which was a great opportunity for our students.
Students worked with mentors around an issue devised by ABCN and completed a presentation in front of industry professionals. Our students benefited greatly from their involvement with the program and learnt many new skills that they will be able to use, both in school as well as throughout their working careers.
In final ABCN news, three of our students applied for the ABCN Accelerate Scholarship program.
The Scholarship Program is a three-year program available for exceptional students who, due to economic, family or social challenges, may be impacted in their studies or capacity to achieve their desired tertiary pathway.
Successful scholars will receive support from a dedicated corporate mentor and $7,000 in financial assistance amortised across Year 11, Year 12 and their first year of tertiary education or training. Successful students will be contacted in October.
We wish J-Iverson Inguito, Henry Koval and Ma Hermielyn Marquez luck with their scholarship applications.
Big Picture Guest - Sarah Lakay
Big Picture students welcomed guest speaker Sarah Lakay, West Coast Eagles footballer (AFLW), who shared her Basketball and AFLW journey; from when she first started out to recently being drafted by the West Coast Eagles for the upcoming AFLW season.
Previously a dedicated basketball player, Sarah talked about how an invitation from a friend to play at a local club was the start of her love for football, and culminated in a change of sport.
Students listened avidly as she shared her experiences, the learning curve she has gone through, challenges she overcame and her own personal growth and determination to be “the best player she can be.”
Sarah broke the all-time AFLW Draft combine records in both standing vertical jump with 72cm and the running vertical jump with 82cm, so we think she is well on her way to achieving her goal!
It was a great experience for the students to hear first-hand from a young person what they can achieve. We thank Sarah for sharing her story with us and wish her the best of luck with her future career in football.
Inspiring Australians at UWA
On 7 September, a group of Year 10 students were excited to attend UWA for the "Inspiring Australians" Forum in the Octagon Theatre.
Keynote presentations were made by guest speakers: Australian of the Year Award Alumni, Ashleigh Small, Julian Pace and Dylan Storer, as well as Community Citizen of the Year, Thea Kurniawan.
These 4 young Australians have shown innovation and are committed to advocating change to build a better world for people in their community, and were inspiring to listen to. Read more about their personal achievements and what drove them to make a difference: https://auspire.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/20210722_StudentForumUWA_A4FlyerV2.pdf
Highlights of the day included seeing the new EZONE UWA Student Hub, spotting the peacocks in the sunken gardens of The Art’s block, spending time inside Winthrop Hall, having lunch at Hackett Hall and chatting to one of the speakers who was excited to spend time with the students and answer their many questions, and playing volleyball with students from other schools in Sommerville Auditorium.
It was a highly engaging excursion that stimulated interest and thought-provoking discussions between the students about future options that are available to them including University.
At the end of the excursion, one student said "Thanks for getting me to go today, it was a really good day and I'm actually thinking about studying at University now".
We aren’t sure who had the most fun, students or teachers, as they got to walk through the beautiful grounds, explore some of the new areas and have an insight into what University life can mean to them and the opportunities that become available to them post-university.
Koordoormitj Institute - Girls Academy
Term 3 seemed like a long cold and wet winter term that would never end. Due to the weather, there were many recess and lunch breaks spent inside the Girls Academy building, with some of our female students making use of the new spaces, including the comfortable lounge area which they said was warm and cosy.
During Term 3, the Year 7s learned about the six Noongar seasons, focussing on the current season, Djilba, with their artwork. Djilba is a transitional time of the year, with some very cold and clear days combining with warmer, rainy and windy days mixing with the occasional sunny day or two. This is the start of the massive flowering explosion that happens in the South West including the yellow flowering plants such as the Acacias.
The students had the opportunity to take part in some outdoor activities, including the Year 8 female students engaging in some traditional Aboriginal games with Swan Districts Football Club.
Other activities included the School Nurse providing a valuable health information session for the Year 10 students. The Year 9 students learnt about Welcome to Country and Acknowledgment of Country, with this discussion to be continued in Term 4.
Students Attend a P.A.R.T.Y. with a Difference
A small group of Kiara College Upper School students, along with the Upper School Coordinator and School Chaplain, recently had the opportunity to attend the “P.A.R.T.Y Program”. It sounds like fun, right? Well before you jump to any conclusions, it involved a trip to St John of God Hospital Midland where students learnt first-hand how not to become a future patient.
P.A.R.T.Y stands for Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth. The long running program is an immersive eye opening, and at times eye watering, glimpse at the permanent impacts of trauma to the brain and spinal cord.
Students discovered that they fall into the highest-risk age group where they and their friends are more likely to take risks and make bad decisions. During the day, students met, listened to, and spoke to people who shared their personal stories of how one risk or bad decision led to a split-second event resulting in permanent life changing injuries such as partial skull removals, strokes and becoming a paraplegic. Students gained an insight into the ripple effect of how these decisions impact family, friends, and the broader community.
An Emergency Department (ED) nurse, doctor and some amazing hospital volunteer staff guided the students on a tour of St John of God Hospital Midland. Here they followed the journey of a trauma patient in hospital from the initial ambulance trip, through to the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit and into the Physiotherapy Department. Whilst working through these areas, life in a busy hospital surrounded the students as real patients were being cared for. The students quickly adapted to routines such as continually sanitising their hands when moving around the hospital.
A highlight of the day for the students was working with an Emergency Department doctor who took them through a training exercise to assess and stabilise “Johnny”. Johnny was a young boy (medical manikin) who had been admitted with brain, spinal, chest, pelvic injuries and a severed leg after showing off to his mates and crashing a vehicle while driving at high speed under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
The ED doctor assigned each student roles as nurses and doctors in her team. The team worked in a small ED treatment bay using real equipment to assess and stabilize Johnny. Year 12 student, Hser Eh Htoo, was assigned as a respiratory doctor and managed Johnny’s breathing, clearing airways, providing oxygen and finally inserting a breathing tube. Year 10 student, Zach Morrell, worked as an ED Resource Nurse and used a bone drill to insert a needle to medicate Johnny.
At the end of the day, students were asked to reflect on what they had seen, heard, learned and experienced; and how they could use this insight to make different decisions that could prevent traumatic and life changing events. The students were empowered to say no, and to speak up if they thought the actions of others were dangerous and could cause serious injury.
It was a thought provoking and valuable excursion that our students will long remember.
Cruising the Swan River
At the end of the term, we held the first Year 9 and Year 10 River Cruise on the Crystal Swan where our students enjoyed beautiful weather while cruising up and down the Swan River.
Students were dressed to impress, took lots of photographs and did Kiara College proud with staff on the boat commenting they were one of the best groups they’ve had.
Ms Garlett started the evening off with an Acknowledgement of Country about the Swan River, surrounding areas and the significant meaning they have to her and her family.
Highlights of the evening included everyone dancing the Macarena, teacher versus student cha cha slide, the dance moves from one of our Associate Principals, the beautiful sunset and views of the city lights during the cruise, and watching our amazing students happily mingling and socialising with each other.
Several awards were given out during the river cruise, with the following winners announced:
Best Dancer: Taiya Ravanal (Year 10)
Most Stylish: Taylor Brown (Year 10)
Most Friendly: Jy Dean (Year 9)
All Rounder: Bailey Law (Year 10)
Thank you to everyone that attended and made it a thoroughly enjoyable evening, including our wonderful teachers for organising such a great excursion.
The hard work that went into organising this event was all made worthwhile with some great student feedback received from a student the following day where they said “I feel like it’s brought us all closer together”.
Wireless Hill Cultural Excursion
Follow the Dream students from Kiara College, Hampton Senior High School, and Dianella Secondary College visited Wireless Hill for an On-Country Cultural Learning Excursion. Greg Nannup, owner of Indigenours Tours WA, facilitated the day and showed the group many traditional uses of the balga grass tree, banksia bush, zamia fruit, eucalyptus shrubs and trees, and other vegetation for Noongar people. The uses included a natural chewing gum, fire lighters, water sources, food sources, skin remedies, making damper and many more.
Students saw the environmental indicators of being in the Noongar season of Djilba, and Greg discussed what Noongar people would traditionally be doing in the area during the season. He told the dreamtime story of Joondalup, and the cultural significance to the part of the Swan River we were on.
Many Nollamara (kangaroo paws) were in blossom, and students learnt the name translated to ‘shadow hand’ in English. Greg also showed many traditional tools and their uses.
Students got to make their own traditional string out of a river reed, which they all enjoyed and had fun making.
Cross-Cultural Visit to Kings Park and Yagan Square
Year 11 and 12 Media students visited Karra Katta (Kings Park) and Yagan Square for a cross-cultural excursion. Guided by our AIEO, Ms Garlett, the students learnt about the Aboriginal culture as they walked through the park, tasting some bush tucker samples along the way.
Lunch was a delicious Asian lunch at Hiss and Smoke in Yagan Square where everyone analysed the symbolic codes in the restaurant and compared them to other cultures.
The day ended with the Media students studying the various artworks in Yagan Square and learning about Yagan (an Aboriginal Australian warrior from the Noongar people who played a key party in early resistance to British colonial settlement and rule in the area that is now known as Perth), Fanny Balbuk Yooreel (a prominent Whadjuk woman in the Swan River's first families and Perth Resistance Fighter), and the importance of Wirrin (Noongar word for spirit representing the eternal sacred force of creative power that connects all life of boodja/mother earth, and a nine metre high sculpture in Yagan Square that embodies the spirit and culture of the Noongar people).
RYDA - Supporting Our Students to Stay Safe on Roads
Kiara College welcomed several members from Rotary along with other trained facilitators including Police, driving instructors and other community sector specialists for road safety workshops presented to our Year 10 students.
RYDA is a driver education program that provides students with the tools, habits and motivation to take action and stay safe on our roads as both drivers and passengers throughout their lives.
The program has been professionally developed and is designed to complement the high school curriculum. It supports teachers so they can provide students with the tools to understand what is needed to be active and responsible road citizens throughout the rest of their school years, and beyond.
Rotary of Crawley are proud sponsors of the program at Kiara College and commended our Year 10 students on their behaviour and interest in the workshops.
Students were engaged and actively participated in lengthy discussions about many topics including hazards and risks when driving, tips on choosing a safe vehicle for a new driver, understanding driver fatigue, what to do at a crash scene and the “Fatal Five” (seatbelts, alcohol & drugs, driver fatigue, distraction and speeding).
We thank Rotary and all presenters for attending our College, and encourage our students to discuss the workshop further with their family, caregivers and friends to share the information they learned.