August 30, 2024 | News
30th August 2024
From The Assistant Principal
Dear students, parents, carers and staff
A quick reflection from me as I stand in for Ms Rees while she is on long service leave.
Coming in to the warmer weather, it has been lovely to see so many groups of our students being active, healthy and happy kids. If you drive past the school at different points in the day, you will notice multiple games of basketball, footy and soccer happening on the oval. The student leadership team also lend out equipment for netball, volleyball and other student-run games. In the shed at the back every recess and lunch time, you will find a committed group of young athletes who are members of the school’s boxing club and gym. If you come before school, you will see Ms Simpson and the EmpowerHER Athlete Development Program girls running around achieving their best.
Coming up through the school, you will find students involved in the art, craft, Dungeons and Dragons, language, chess and video clubs. By the top of the hill, you will hear our singing group, choir and many school bands.
And that’s just the activities that happen on a regular schedule – today, Friday 30/8, our Pride and Diversity Crews put on an excellent celebration for Wear It Purple Day at lunch time with badgemaking, BBQ, hairspray and facepaint.
If you don’t already read the weekly Co-Curricular schedule that Mr Hill publishes on Xuno each week, do have a look at all the great things that go on around our school that make it a great place to be – both the regular clubs and the special events.
Faye Zollia
Assistant Principal
Year 7 Does Ancient Egypt
The Year 7 students have been learning about ancient Egypt in their classes. They have explored
various aspects of this fascinating civilization, including its culture, history, and significant
achievements. Through engaging activities and discussions, they have gained a deeper understanding
of how ancient Egyptians lived and contributed to the world.
The Year 7s have also been engaged in a project focused on ancient Egyptian artefacts. They have been
exploring various aspects of these historical items, learning about their significance in Egyptian culture, and understanding how they were used in daily life and religious practices.
This project has
allowed them to delve into the fascinating world of ancient Egypt, encouraging creativity and critical
thinking as they research and present their findings.
Morticia Mummy?
Revenge of The Mummy
The ancient Egypt exhibit from Year 7 showcases a fascinating array of artefacts that highlight the rich culture and history of this remarkable civilization. Visitors can marvel at the impressive pyramids, which stand as monumental tombs for pharaohs, alongside intricately designed sarcophagi that housed the mummies of the deceased.
Scenes from the exhibit
The exhibit also features a collection of ancient weapons that reveal the military prowess of the Egyptians, as well as exquisite jewelry that reflects their artistry and craftsmanship. Statues of gods and pharaohs provide insight into their religious beliefs, while pottery and clothing offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the ancient Egyptians. Additionally, ancient Egyptian boats are displayed, showcasing their advanced maritime technology and trade practices.
Wear It Purple
On Friday the 30th of August, Kyneton High School celebrated Wear It Purple Day. Wear It Purple Day aims to celebrate young people from the LBGTQIA+ community and seeks to foster a safe, empowering and inclusive environment for all.
To celebrate, a sausage sizzle was held outside the Student Leadership Lounge. Here, students also had the opportunity to have their hair sprayed purple, have their faces painted with purple face paint, or make a badge with Rhani from the Way Out program. Spirits were high as pride anthems filled the air and the school’s young LBGQTIA+ community celebrated their community and identity.
Purpling up
Masses of purple
Feeding the purple masses
The proceeds from the sausage sizzle will be donated to The Trevor Foundation, a nonprofit organisation for suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LBGTQIA+ young people.
Roxy George
In the spirit of Wearing It Purple, the school rhododendron is putting on a great show. Readers may quibble that this rhodie’s colour isn’t strictly purple; that in fact it is a fairly vibrant shade of pink. It is, however, purple-adjacent and while quibbling readers may be technically correct, they can and will be cheerfully ignored.
Garden Working Bee
The community spirit was in full bloom during a lunchtime working bee in the school’s vibrant new garden space!
Students from all year levels eagerly rolled up their sleeves to help fill the freshly built garden beds with vegetable mix soil. These garden beds, hand built by the Year 10 Building and Construction class, stood proudly as a testament to their hard work and skill.
The project was made possible thanks to the generous support of Sunbury Cobaw Community Health, whose funding is turning this green dream into a reality. Students from the sustainability crew cooked a hearty lunch for Kyneton’s hard-working students and they left the working bee knowing that the seeds we had planted had a special place to grow.
Mr Swan
Year 7 Science
Earth’s Resources Game!!
Year 7 students have been modelling and discussing different resources of the Earth this cycle. We learnt what renewable energy means, and compare the advantages and disadvantages of different renewable resources. Then we applied all this knowledge to create a game for our classmates to practise and learn more about the topic.
Some groups borrowed existing board game concepts (such as ‘Monopotree’, ‘Nukopoly’, ‘Worms and Ladders’) and added their Sustainable spin. There were also some very creative original games!
Ms Quynh
Meanwhile, Over In The Kitchen
Production
That’s All, Folks!
Final reflections on “The Addams Family”
Production 2024 was such an incredible, exciting and inspiring experience! Coming into rehearsal each week was a joy, into a safe space where everyone connected toward a common goal of creating such a stunning production of The Addams Family. The teachers and captains were always so supportive and honestly, it made me so much better at theatre being surrounded by talented people like everyone involved. Joining GSC was nerve racking at first and we were all very cautious going into that, but eventually, we all became one big family. Dancing, singing and acting with the cast of our production was brilliant, I’ll never forget it!
Clementine Nelms
I am immensely proud to have been the choreographer of The Addams Family, a role that has challenged me both creatively and physically (mainly due to having a broken ankle for most of the rehearsal process!).
Facilitating a school production has been a professional goal of mine for quite some time. I had always thought it was an impossible dream until GSC reached out and made it all possible! I am incredibly thankful to Kitty, Hayley, Dana, James, and Wendy for taking a chance on me as the KHS teacher and providing this amazing opportunity to both me and the students of KHS.
It is incredibly rewarding to bring like-minded students together to create an inclusive family, which is what performing arts are all about. Watching students grow—not only in their talent and skills but also in their friendships, confidence, and independence—is truly inspiring. They are blossoming into well-rounded individuals who care deeply about their craft and each other.
A highlight of the show for me is the opening song, “When You’re An Addams.” It is breathtaking to see the passion on stage, with everyone singing and dancing their hearts out. The energy and commitment of the students are truly awe-inspiring.
I am excited for the company to continue developing their passion for theatre and to learn about ‘the post-show blues.’ This journey has been unforgettable, and I look forward to seeing where their love for performing arts takes them in the future.
Alex Scott
Snow Camp
All rugged up
On Monday 5th of August, 48 students and 6 staff members set off on the 5 hour journey to Falls Creek for the KHS Snow Camp of 2024. Students couldn’t contain their excitement on the bus, eagerly waiting to arrive and see some snow. After a 5 hour drive, we finally arrived at Falls and students were greeted with a snow shower. Most of our students were amazed as they have never seen or felt snow before.
The days went quickly, breakfast was at 6:45am each day and students completed lessons with instructors at 8am at the top of Halleys’ lift. Lessons provided students with an opportunity to learn and develop their skills. Once lessons finished, students were allowed to free ski in groups and test their skills. It was great seeing the development of students and how much they improved across the day/week.
A massive special thanks to the staff members who attended, for supporting, providing opportunity and sacrificing their own weeks and time with their family to attend this camp. To our two volunteers Dylan and Colin, thankyou and to my fellow staff members, Dave Romer, Teegan Swinden and Justin Martland, this camp wouldn’t have run so smoothly without your support, so thank you!
Ryan Eddy
What’s this cold white stuff, Mr Eddy?
With an array of students across 3 different year levels of 10, 11 and 12 it was always going to be interesting to see how this would pan out for a week long snow camp in a shared accommodation space with another school. What we ended up witnessing was something to be noted, with not only the strengthening of old friendships but the fostering of new ones. The camp’s unique setting allowed students to bond over shared challenges and successes on the slopes, where resilience and persistence were key to their development. It was particularly inspiring to see some of the older students naturally step into mentoring roles, guiding their peers and creating a supportive learning environment.
Our students made a lasting impression on the volunteers, who were deeply moved by the sense of unity and mutual care that they demonstrated to each other and towards the staff. They expressed that this was the best experience they had ever had with a school camp. The staff who attended were blown away with the positive feedback received about our students from members of the public as well as the insight we were able to get about the lovely adults they are growing to be by spending the extra time with them. Thanks to the organisation and thought that had gone into the snow camp, particularly by Mr. Eddy who inherited the organisation of the event, making the camp an unforgettable and rewarding experience for all involved.
Teegan Swinden
Rockin’ the slopes
Junior Language Club
The Junior Language Club kicked off this Thursday at lunchtime, with students honing their skills in speaking Indonesian. From this week onwards, the Junior language club will run every Thursday at lunchtime in B4. This Club is open to Year 7 and 8 students.
At the beginning of Term 4, students will have the opportunity to participate in the Pen Pal program with our partner schools in Indonesia. Sampai Jumpa!
Kiky Amelia
Music
Year 12 Phys Ed
Our Year 12 Physical Education class are currently working on their training methods portfolio SAC. The students spent time at OZZfit in Kyneton to work on their resistance training at the gym. The Year 12s have also had a flexibility class & run a fartlek session.
Ms Wallace
Rockin’ the gym
Library News
Book Week display
Last week was Children’s Book Week, promoted by The Children’s Book Council of Australia. The theme for the week was Reading is Magic, and the choices for the Book of the Year awards are all available in our Library.
Some of the Award winners are the following books that we have on our shelves. Students are encouraged to borrow and read these prize-winning novels!
As part of Book Week we had a mini craft session making folded books from one A4 sheet of paper, and decorating them with stamping and colouring.
The website for The Children’s Book Council of Australia states the purpose of the Awards as follows:
“The advocacy role played by the CBCA promotes the literary experience for children and assures the scope and vitality of Australian children’s books. The annual CBCA Book of the Year Awards affirm the quality of some of Australia’s most creative people and provide a boost to their capacity to devote time to their craft.
“Established with the first awards in 1946, the annual CBCA Book of the Year Awards aim to:
– Promote quality literature for young Australians by Australians
– Support and encourage a wide range of Australian writers and illustrators of books for young people aged 0 through 18, and
– Celebrate contributions to Australian children’s literature.”
As usual the Library has been popular for board games including Scrabble and Chess, silent reading, private study, and meeting with friends.
Francesca
Siapa Saya?
Year 8 students are published authors!
Students in 8D made ‘Who am I?’ books in Indonesian earlier this year. The task required them to imagine an audience of primary-school-aged language learners and some of them were so good that they have been published online for an actual audience of primary-school-aged language learners!
Congratulations to Tiana Cardinal, Ella Doyle, Austin May and Vera Sartori on becoming published authors.
You can read their books online here.
Deryn Mansell
Sport
Divisional Athletics
On Friday the 9th of August, we set off early in the morning to MeadowGlen International Athletics Stadium in Epping for the Divisional Athletics event. KHS had 40 students attend and compete in a number of events. 8 students were lucky enough to win their events and go through to the Regional stage. Unfortunately most of our students fell short and finished with lots of seconds and thirds. This is still a massive achievement and we are super proud of their efforts.
Ryan Eddy
Intermediate netball
The Inters boys team set off to NETS Stadium, Macleod for the Regional Netball event. The group of students have trained hard for months in preparation for this event. The students were dedicated to improving week in and out as they had their sights set on the prize. Unfortunately due to ski camp we didn’t have our full team available. We played two games against schools from other regions across Victoria. We battled hard and competed well but came up short in both games. This was a great experience for our students. Special mention to Abbie Clifford for training and coaching the boys team. We are extremely proud of our students.
Kristin Oliveri
Year 8 basketball
The Year 8 basketball teams went out on Monday 26th of August and had a very successful day. The boys team won all their games making it to the final but unfortunately going down to Craigieburn. Best on throughout the day were Memphis & Finn. The most improved award goes to Brock.
The girls had a hard start going down to Mount Ridley, but improved in the last 2 games coming away with both wins. Charli was best on, and Matisse was the most improved.
Bec Wallace
School Notices
What?
Beat the winter blues @ the SLT Lounge
w/ the Year 11 VM Work Related Skills Applied Learning Project –
Pop-Up Coffee Shop!
Coffee $3
– available to Senior students Years 10-12
Hot Chocolate w/ Marshmallows $3
– available to all students Years 7-12
Milkshakes $4
(Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla or Caramel)
– available to all students Years 7-12
Choice of milks available
When?
Monday lunchtimes
Where?
@ the SLT Lounge
How?
Cash or card accepted
Why?
Because coffee
With a focus on preventing body dissatisfaction and serious eating issues, this session provides information and practical tips to help parents better understand and promote positive body image in the home. It encourages all members of the family to be Body Kind; kind in the way they move, nourish, nurture and speak about their own body and others.
To register, or for more information, go here
Twilight Market 2024
Flexischools Canteen App
View/download detailed information below:
A Message From The Cancer Council
Many parents and teachers are raising their concerns about children and young people vaping, and asking what can be done. At Cancer Council we too are hearing from parents and community members about their concerns. With support from partners across the health and education sectors, we have developed an easy online form to help people find and write to their federal representatives, and express their support for vaping reforms currently going through parliament. You can find the form at the link here. We encourage you to write to your federal representatives to express your concerns about vaping and show your support for the reforms.
If you have any questions, or for more information, please contact our team at actiononvaping@cancer.org.au.
Coming Events
Friday August 30th | Wear it purple day |
Monday September 2nd | Student free day |
Wednesday September 4th | Year 10 Battle for Australia excursion Spring soiree 5pm |
Friday September 6th | Year 7 “All hands on ukes” music incursion |
Thursday September 12th | RUOK? day School council |
Friday September 13th | OED boudering excursion |
Friday September 20th | End of term – 2.30 finish |
Monday September 30th to Friday October 4th | Year 12 practice exams |
Monday October 7th | Term 4 begins |
Thursday October 10th | World mental health day |
Friday October 11th | Drama high ability incursion Twilight market |
Thursday October 17th | Year 10 life science GTAC excursion |
Friday October 18th | Arts evening |
Full & Part Time Courses
Now taking enrolments to commence July 2024, October 2024,
or January 2025.
Accredited courses – CII, CIII, CIV, & Diploma Courses in Dance, Dance Teaching, Musical Theatre
All standards welcome – Beginner to Advanced
Day, Night, & Saturday classes available for Part Time students
CRICOS registered for International students
For more information or to enrol:
Email us – dancefac@netspace.net.au
Call us – 03) 9429 9492
Visit our website http://www.dancefactory.com.au/
Macedon Ranges Field Naturalists Logo Competition
MRFN is a group based in the Macedon Ranges Shire which aims to share and develop knowledge of the flora, fauna, fungi and geology of our area.
We don’t yet have a logo for our group, and need to rectify that.
So we invite members of your school community to get out your paint brushes, pencils, digital stylus or whatever else you create with and come up with a design.
Submit your design to
macedonrangesfieldnaturalists
@gmail.com
Entries close
Friday, September 20th, 2024
The MRFN committee will decide on a shortlist out of which the membership will vote for a winner. The winner will receive a $50.00 book voucher and 5 years free membership of the MRFN. Shortlisted entries will receive a year’s free membership. The winning logo will be used in all future MRFN marketing materials, including the website and event banners.
Some ideas to help you get started:
Iconic species of flora, fauna and fungi in the region (e.g. snow gum, clover glycine, phascogale, wombat, antechinus, sugar glider, powerful owl, deadman’s fingers, mycena interrupta, etc.)
Iconic geographic features (e.g. Mt Macedon, Hanging Rock, etc.)
We look forward to seeing the creative works received as entries for this competition.
KYNETON HIGH SCHOOL