From The Principal

I hope this first newsletter for 2024 finds you all in good health and feeling excited about the promise of another productive and successful year at Kyneton High School.  In welcoming you to the new academic year, I am delighted to share some updates and achievements that have made it such a positive start.

First and foremost, I am pleased to report that we had a very settled beginning to the school year, thanks to the enthusiasm and support of our students, families and staff.  Our Family Interviews for Years 7 to 10 enabled an outstanding opportunity for students, Home Group teachers and parents/carers to talk about the year ahead.  These conversations in the first week contribute to a positive learning environment that is truly commendable and sets a fantastic tone for the rest of the year.

A noticeable change on returning to school this year is the dramatic transformation of our school environment. Over the past year our school underwent significant capital works, including the demolition of four buildings.  The new landscaping has not only revitalized the interior of our school grounds but also opened up the campus, providing a more inviting space for our thriving school.

The culmination of these building works came with the official opening of our new building, Ngurrak, on Monday, 12th February 2024. It was a pleasure to have The Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas, Member for Macedon and Minister for Health, grace us with her presence for this significant occasion.  Her unwavering support for Kyneton High School has always been evident.  In fact, it was she who came to the school in November 2020 to present us with the $10.991 million “cheque” which delivered the news of the government funding that was instrumental in realizing this capital works project. 

Our Welcome Assembly for Year 7 students was a heartwarming event and a proud tradition of our school. It was a happy occasion filled with excitement and enthusiasm as our newest members of the school community were officially welcomed. I am incredibly proud of the Year 7 students who represented their Home Groups at the assembly and shared their Learning Affirmations. Congratulations to Bella Harley, Tahli McGregor, Kaden Peters, Clementine Nelms, and Charlie Behan for their outstanding contributions.

It was also a special opportunity for our school captains and vice-captains to address the whole school assembly for the first time. I am pleased to announce that our school captains for 2024 are Olivia Hedge and Ava Coleman, with Devin Spear and Kisha Monleon serving as Vice Captains. Their messages of encouragement and commitment to learning were truly inspiring.  We wish them well in their year of leadership and service to the school.

Finally, I encourage everyone to strive for success, embrace challenges, and celebrate achievements, both big and small.

Wishing you all a fantastic start to the school year!

Ana Rees
Principal

Ngurrak

Year 7 STEAM

In STEAM class, students have been participating in some team challenges.

7E had 10 minutes to build a freestanding tower out of pasta and playdough.

This helped them to develop their skills in teamwork, engineering and creativity.

Ms Sharpe

Bubbleology

Year 11 Science

Year 11 students also ignited their chemistry studies conducting flame tests of different metals, and using the results to identify an unknown metal. This demonstrates the existence of energy levels within atoms. Hope this fuels their blazing curiosity for the learning ahead!

Sport

EmpowHER Athlete
Development Program

The EmpowHER Athlete Development Program kicked off this week with the girls completing their strength and conditioning testing this morning! The girls train Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7.15-8.30 am to enhance their strength and development in their chosen sport and give them the skills to be a well rounded athlete. The program runs for 8 weeks each term and follows a strength and conditioning program that is suited to their phases of training!

Ms Simpson

Library News

Welcome to the Library for 2024!

We have seen many new faces coming to the Library in these first weeks of term, and it seems that our students have settled back in to the routine of their Library visits. For our new families, the Library is open from 8.30 am, and is available at recess and lunchtime for students to come and spend time reading or relaxing with friends. We have puzzles, games, colouring-in, papercraft activities, Thursday lunchtime TV sessions, a Book Review group, and other fun activities to keep students occupied.

Our Book Review Group meets 2-3 times a term to look through, and borrow, our brand new books before they are put out on the shelves. In return we ask that the students then complete a short book review on a slip to be placed inside the book, as a way to promote the books to other students. If your child loves reading, and would like to be a part of this group, please encourage them to come along on Thursday lunchtimes. The meeting days will be advertised on Xuno and by posters in the Library.

Book Tastings

The first Book Tasting for the term occurred last week and was enjoyed by 7D. They tried books from several different genres and had the opportunity to borrow at the end of the session. Some feedback:

I really enjoyed that I got to ‘taste’ some books I wouldn’t usually read.

I enjoyed how it wasn’t just one book and we saw a bit of a lot of books.

I read a book about history, but I didn’t think I’d like it, but I did.

Francesca

Tucking into some tasty reading

From The Archives

The Garden and Grounds

With the exception of an allotment on the eastern side of the school, the whole of the grounds have now been laid out in lawns and gardens. The staff and pupils take a keen interest in the upkeep of the grounds and grateful appreciation of the attention given to the house gardens by all concerned is now publicly expressed.

Every effort has been made to have the above allotment prepared for a girls’ playground. The matter has been brought under the notice of the school council and an endeavour made to enlist the interest and support of prominent citizens. Another twelve months have elapsed and this area is still a wilderness of weeds and a reproach to the school. It is very necessary that the girls should have a playing area. The matter is now definitely brought under the notice of parents and others and their interest and co-operation earnestly requested.

Kyneton Guardian 17th December 1932
Thanks to Mal Closter

The KHS Gardens as they appeared in the 1932 Kyneton High School Magazine

School Notices

KHS Student Leadership Team 2024

The School is in good hands!
2024 Captains Olivia Hedge (L) and Ava Coleman (R)
and Vice Captains Devin Spear and Kisha Monleon

Nominations are now open for you to join the
KHS Student Leadership Team for 2024!

If you would like to nominate yourself, or, someone else for the SLT 2024, the following roles are now open;

– Year Level Captain (open to any Year 7-11 student)
– (School Values) Respect Captain (open to any student from Year 7-12)
– (School Values) Diversity Captain (open to any student from Year 7-12)
– (School Values) Excellence Captain (open to any student from Year 7-12)
– (School Values) Sustainability Captain (open to any student from Year 7-12)

Please use the link below to view the role description & complete a google form nomination.

https://forms.gle/cFP3k7GiGgT55FvGA

Nominations close by 3.30pm next Friday 23/02.

Any questions please contact Mr Hill.

Flexischools Canteen App

View/download detailed information below:

2024 KHS Co-Curricular Activities Schedule – Week 4

Positive Behaviour At KHS

Positive behaviours help to create a school climate where all people feel welcomed, connected, safe and ready to learn. Behaviour expectations make up our school rules and are on the KHS Schoolwide Positive Behaviour Matrix.

‘Non-negotiables’ are expected behaviours that are fair and reasonable for all. They make up our school rules. Some examples of ‘non-negotiables’ at KHS include:

– hats off in class
– wear school uniform
– bags and phones in lockers

Each day, students are informed of an expected behaviour during their Period 2 class. During this session, students are shown how they can achieve this behaviour and staff explain their responsibility in helping and supporting students. It is made clear that warnings are given alongside further consequences that reflect our school policy. 

This week we have discussed behaviours such as:

– expected uniform
– phones must be in lockers
– being organised for learning
– appropriate use of toilets
– using the canteen

In each newsletter you will be able to read the school expected behaviours that have been covered for that fortnight. Please reach out to your child’s Home Group Teacher, Year Level Leader or Celene Black if you have any questions or would like to chat further.

Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment Weekend Camp

Friday 22^nd March to Sunday 24^th March at Camp Getaway, Axedale.

Students aged 15 to 17 have the opportunity to attend a camp that builds personal and social capabilities to do with leadership and teamwork. It involves physical exercise both indoors and outdoors. The program is free which includes all costs and transport to and from the camp. Our Rotary contact person is John Condliffe. If you would like further information please contact your Year Level Leader or Celene Black.

Privacy Collection Notice

Mobile Phone Policy

Parental Control On Devices