KHS Newsletter : 12th November 2021

It is week 6 of Term 4 and today our Year 11s have started their first examination (English as always), the VCE exams are drawing to their conclusion, the VCAL students have completed their final assessments, the final Driver Ed and Outdoor Ed Camps went ahead this week, and we are starting the “Begin 2022” timetable in  a fortnight. 

In the last couple of weeks, we were able to confirm and announce that our Valedictory Dinner will proceed this year on Friday 19th November.  Under the new conditions required by these venues, Year 12 students and their families will be able to celebrate the culmination of their high school years in the traditional graduation ceremony and we are very excited!

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of going to the Masterclass presented by Ellie Marney.  There is an article about it in this edition.  Ellie was amazing and inspiring;  our students were enthralled by the ideas that she shared with them and I reflected on how powerful our Student Excellence Program has been in helping our students to grow and thrive in their passion for learning.  Thank you to our program coordinators, Cindy Bradford and Julie Carter, for nurturing our learners with these opportunities.

Yesterday was Remembrance Day and once again our Student Leadership Team took the lead in commemorating this important occasion.  As we could not have a whole school assembly in the KSAC, the SLT prepared a pre-recorded service which was broadcast in all classes during period 2, from 10.40 am.  The service included not only the traditional readings but also a clear explanation of the rituals of the ceremony so that this was a learning experience for the students as well.  Our thanks to school captains Mason Wright and Chloe Goodwin, Jasmyn Davies and SLT members Olivia Hedge, Lana Hughes and Mitch Boyer.

Lest We Forget

Ana Rees – Principal

Masterclass with Ellie Marney

Inspiration, character and structure are the foundations to developing a good story according to Australian author Ellie Marney.

Ellie would know, she has written many successful books, including her latest novel “None Shall Sleep” that was listed in the Young Adult section of the New York Times bestseller list.

Students from year 7 who had been nominated for the English Victorian High Ability Program (VHAP) this year were engaged in writing quick responses to a range of images presented by Ellie to ignite their imagination.

Older students (invited because they showed interest and developed talent in English) were interested to hear first hand about the publishing process and the differences in Australian and overseas book markets.

Ellie spoke to students about the importance of character development and also using the three-act structure (that has been used and re-used by successful writers.)

Graphic: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/three-act-structure/

The feedback from students in attendance was overwhelmingly positive.

Ellie’s coming book, The Killing Code (about a teenager code cracker in WWII) will be released in September 2022.

If you would like to find out more about Ellie and her books, please visit her website –  https://elliemarney.com/books/

On behalf of Kyneton High School, we would like to thank Ellie for sharing her expertise and experience.

Cindy Bradford and Julie Carter

Student Excellence Program coordinators

RACI Chemistry And Art Competition

Well done to our year 7 students who took part in the competition this year!

Judging of the competition was delayed due to the lockdown in Melbourne, where the RACI National Office is located. All the entries were then posted to Queensland where judging took place in Brisbane.

A report and video on the whole competition will be available on the RACI website in the next few weeks.

Congratulations in particular to Oliver Spaccatore and Beccy Travers from 7H who earned a Highly Commended in the 2021 Chemistry and Art Competition.

Excellent efforts from everyone involved and we hope more students will take part next year.

Cindy Bradford

Science Teacher

Chess Club

The game of chess may have been around ever since the seventh century, but it remains popular today with students of Kyneton High School.

In our chess club, students across the year levels have put their minds to the test, battling it out with a range of strategies and tactics.

It has been fantastic to see the enthusiasm and growth as students in the club dedicated their Thursday recess to improving their skills. 

As the Russian-American chess player Irving Chernev said, “Every chess master was once a beginner.”

We look forward to another year of chess in 2022, all students welcome, whether you are an amateur or a pro!

When Australian chess players finish their meals in the restaurant, they say, “Cheque, mate.”

Mr Rickwood

Food Tech

Food Technology classes got into the spirit of halloween this year by baking spooky vanilla and red velvet cupcakes.

Students created spooky ghosts, mummies and spider cupcakes. They were all boo-tiful!

Bone Appetit!

Ms Dalley

Student Leadership Team

Term 4 Week 6 Update

Hi KHS community!

Here is our weekly update of all that’s happening at the moment in Student Leadership:

1. Our Yr 9 students selected to attend the School for Student Leadership at the Snowy River Campus in Marlo finally made it after a delayed start this term due to COVID. Our students attending; Caitlyn Merral, Jen Girvan, Ava Coleman, Gabriel Weller, Leathan Coates and Oliver Watt arrived safely at the Snowy River Campus. They have wasted no time in getting to know each other and are bursting at the seams with excitement for the program ahead. This was a 10 week program but this term had a late start due to restrictions. Our students along with 30 other students from other schools will embark on a 5 week program living at the Snowy River Campus where they will be involved in an immersive program residential program which enables them to grow into better citizens and leaders through increased self awareness, social engagement, community connection and environmental stewardship. We wish our Yr 9 team all the very best upon their adventures and the journey of self discovery that they have now embarked upon. See http://www.snowyriver.vic.edu.au/ for more info.

2. Year 9 Level Captain Olivia Hedge will be leading a ‘Bin Audit’ Wednesday 10/11 at lunchtime with support from fellow Year Level Captains from Year 10 Carlos Medina, Lana Hughes, Mitch Boyer and from Year 8 Allegra Vanderkley. The SLT led by Olivia on this initiative, have had this on their radar for some time now. In keeping with our school value of ‘Sustainability’ the SLT are looking at what rubbish we are producing for the end goal of moving toward mixed waste recycling. Stay tuned on XUNO for further updates on their results from the upcoming audit and what actions they propose.

3. Many thanks to all who supported our tradition of the Halloween Dress Up day. Soccer nets have been purchased for our goals. One has been put up for students to enjoy while we wait for the goals to be relocated. Also a portable volleyball net has been purchased for student use at recess and lunchtimes. This is already been well received and enjoyed by a group of Yr 10 girls.

4. Reminder that new sporting equipment has been purchased by the SLT for student borrowing. This can happen everyday during recess and/or lunchtime from the SLT Lounge.  Students can borrow equipment by providing their Student Card to one of the SLT in the lounge. Our rule is: No Card, No Borrow. Equipment to borrow are: footballs, soccer balls, grid iron balls, basketballs, netball, volleyball.  The SLT have chosen to focus on our school value of ‘Diversity’ because sport brings all different people together. As such the new equipment is ‘rainbow coloured’ to emphasise this.

5. The School Captain selection process is now in process, more updates to follow.

6. Co-Curriculum activities are in full swing- check the big list below for schedule.

From the SLT with support from Mr Hill 🙂

Some of the costumes on parade for the Dressup fundraiser last week. Photo: Ava Coleman

Co-Curriculum Activities

What’s on?	Where and when?
Badminton Club with Mr Feng- for all interested students 7-12	This is ‘To Be Announced’, based on the closing of the KSAC Stadium at the moment
Book Review Team- for all interested students 7-12	Meets a few times per term. Day and time confirmed via XUNO the week prior to the meeting- approx. once per month with Francesca in The Library
Boxing Club and Gym Shed – for all interested students 7-12	Monday recess (Girls Only Gym) with Amanda and Ms Galea Tuesday recess with Mr Hill & Mr Eddy Wednesday recess with Mr Hill & Mr Merrett Thursday recess with Mr Hill & Mr Oliveri Friday recess with Mr Hill & Mr Merret
Code Club – for all interested Yr 7 /8 students	Friday recess in B6 with Ms Nguyen and Mr Feng All you need is a working laptop for some fun activities, no coding experience is needed
Drama Club – for all interested students 7-12	Thursday lunch in the Performing Arts Studio (Old Canteen) with Lana Hughes (Yr 10 Captain) support from Ms Nelms & Miss Bone
Dungeons and Dragons – for all interested students 7-12	Extended group – Monday, Wednesday & Friday lunchtimes in B7 with Ms Daws New group – Monday , Thursday and Friday lunchtimes in B8 with Matt
!!!Surprise Your Eyes!!! – A mystery video every week from the KHS video collection	Wednesday lunchtime in the Library, hosted by Stephen
Gaming Club – for all interested students 7-12	Mr Hill is looking for new students to become leaders of this club. Please see Mr Hill if you are interested or any questions
House Captain’s Lunchtime Games – for all interested students 7-12	Tuesday lunch AFL on the Oval with Campaspe House Captains & Mr Hill Wednesday lunch BASKETBALL on the Outside Courts with Lauriston House Captains & Mr Hill Thursday lunch SOCCER on the Oval with Baynton House Captains & Mr Hill Friday lunch JUNIOR AFL on the Oval with Coliban House Captains and Mr Hill
Literature Club – for all interested students 7-12	Thursday recess in The Library with Ms Nelms
Pride Crew – for all interested students 7-12	Every second Monday lunch in B3 with Gareth
Student Leadership Team Meeting – for all School Captains, Year Level Captains, House Captains and all interested students 7-12	Every Monday lunch in Student Leadership Team Lounge with the School Captains and Mr Hill
Yr 9 Staff Vs Yr 9 Student Basketball Match- for interested Yr 9 students	Every Friday lunchtime on the outside courts with a mix of teachers

From Lucy King, Alumni Coordinator:

A few weeks ago in the lead up to World Teacher Day, I received a lovely inspiring email from alumna Jane Boyer, class of 2012, about her experiences from Kyneton High School (Kyneton Secondary as it was back then) and the teachers who supported and encouraged her.

Jane’s beautiful email read:

“I am so grateful for the experiences and the support I had from great teachers at Kyneton – I really would not have got where I am without the teachers at Kyneton who supported me.  I had no ambitions to go to university or do anything in particular after Year 12, and I didn’t know what to do when I left school.

One day after a maths class in Year 11, Mr McCarthy pulled me aside and said he heard I had no plans to go to university. He told me the benefits of a university education and really encouraged me to try it. The best quote he said to me that day was “It’s okay to not know what you want to do in life, just go with what you like at that time”.

I love that quote and it’s how I’ve tried to live my life – to take all the experiences I can and not worry about being something – it’s about doing something with your life and enjoying the journey along the way.

Mr Hill was also an amazing advocate and source of encouragement to me, especially in Year 12. He was always encouraging me to do better and to pursue my dreams.

I am so grateful to these two teachers in particular. They really helped me become the person I am today.”

Jane left Kyneton high School in 2012 and has since gone on to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and International Studies at the University of Melbourne, has recently completed a Juris Doctor and Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at the Australian National University, whilst also working as a Paralegal in a law firm, and she is currently studying a Masters of Law at the University of Sydney.

In March this year Jane was admitted as a Lawyer in the Supreme Court of NSW, and has been working as a Diary Manager and Parliamentary Adviser for the Federal Member for Bendigo, in the Commonwealth Parliament since 2016.

Throughout her studies Jane has also volunteered her time and skills at Legal Aid ACT and the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT).

What an amazing record of achievement for a student who had no ambitions to do anything after Year 12, if it wasn’t for the support and encouragement from Kyneton High School teachers.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Jane, and we hope you can come back to school in the future to share your story and inspire future students with your experiences.

Kyneton High School would love to hear from former students who would like to be involved in this rewarding initiative. We’re reaching out to alumni from all industry sectors to get in touch – from people working with a trade, to engineers, architects, roles within the arts industry, allied health professionals, the sports and health sector, to hospitality, social work and IT professionals etc.

Lucy King

Alumni Co-ordinator

The KHS alumni program is run in conjunction with Ourschool, a not-for-profit service helping Victorian public high schools build thriving alumni networks.

Please contact Lucy King at alumni@kynetonhigh.vic.edu.au for more information.

To learn more about Ourschool, go to www.ourschool.net.au

UNIFORM

The new uniform was introduced two years ago with a two-year transition. That means that THIS IS THE LAST YEAR that the old school uniform can be worn, and ALL STUDENTS must wear the new school uniform from the start of 2022. Students who have purchased old school uniform items during the first semester will not be able to wear these items in 2022.  The old school uniform will not be on sale after the end of this semester.

This includes the option of wearing a plain black jacket which students were allowed to wear with the old school uniform because the supply of the old spray jacket had become unavailable.  So, from next year, ONLY THE NEW SCHOOL JACKET OR BLAZER is allowed to be worn as outerwear.

Students in years 9 to 11 need to make sure that over the course of the next semester they make plans to phase in the new uniform.  The uniform is available to be ordered online at this link:

https://www.noone.com.au/school/kyneton-high-school/shop/

or you can visit the Noone Bendigo Store at 21 Queen Street, Bendigo Vic 3550, Monday – Friday 9.00am-5.00pm or Saturday 10.00am – 1.00pm

 

 

Monday November 15th	Exam: Physics 9 am – 11.45 am
Monday November 15th to Friday November 19th	Year 11 Exams Uniform fittings
Friday November 19th	Valedictory Dinner
Thursday November 25th	Year 7 Immunisations School Council Meeting
Friday November 26th	Year 10 Formal

 

 

Support for your kids to get active

Does your child love sport and being active? Does your family have a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card? You may be eligible for up to $200 to put towards the cost of your child’s participation in physical activities.

As children return to sport over the coming months, the Get Active Kids Voucher Program helps eligible families get their kids involved in organised sport and active recreation activities.

Under the program, children may be eligible to receive up to $200 to help with the cost of membership and registration fees, uniforms, and equipment.

The program also provides a special consideration stream to support children residing in care services as well as temporary or provisional visa holders, undocumented migrants or international students.

Applications for vouchers in round three of the program close at 5pm Tuesday 30 November.

For eligibility requirements and to apply, visit the Get Active Victoria website.

---