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July 21, 2023 | News
KHS Newsletter : 21st July
21st July 2023
Dear Parents/Carers and Students
I hope this edition of the newsletter finds you all in good health as we welcome you back to Term 3 at Kyneton High School. We are delighted to share that we have had a very smooth start to the term, despite the recent cold weather. It is heartwarming to see our students’ resilience and enthusiasm in embracing the new challenges this semester brings. Students have settled remarkably well into their new semester timetables and we acknowledge with appreciation our dedicated staff for their continuous support in guiding our students through this transitional period.
One of the highlights at the end of Term 2 was the Indonesian Study Tour, which proved to be an immense success. Our students embarked on a transformative journey of cultural immersion and language exploration. The feedback about the way students responded to this experience has been extremely positive. We extend our appreciation to the teachers who organized and supervised this tour, ensuring the safety and well-being of our students throughout the trip. We hope that the memories and lessons learned will continue to inspire them in their academic pursuits and personal growth.
As we progress through Term 3, we have an exciting array of events and initiatives lined up to engage and motivate our students further. We started with the Year 8 Live4Life launch, the VCE ACMI excursion and the Year 11 VM Homegrown on Piper and Metcalfe Farm visits; our interschool sports excursions have started with AFLW and Basketball, and we have the Years 11 and 12 Elevate study skills sessions coming up next week. The Year 9 Morrisby Interviews are also coming up next week – a wonderful opportunity for students to engage with skilled career planning specialists.
This term can be a very challenging term for students, particularly in the senior years, as they prepare themselves for major assessment tasks and exams. At Kyneton High School, we prioritize the well-being and growth of each student. Our dedicated Wellbeing team is always available to provide support and guidance, ensuring that every student has the resources they need to thrive academically and emotionally. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or matters you would like to raise with our Wellbeing Team.
The NAPLAN results were released this week and we will be distributing the individual student reports to families from the beginning of next week. We commend the effort and that Years 7 and 9 students put into NAPLAN this year – well done!
As we proceed into the rest of Term 3, I extend my gratitude to our fantastic students, parents/carers, and staff for their unwavering support. Together, we continue to create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment that fosters academic excellence and personal wellbeing.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Wishing you all a successful and fulfilling Term 3!
Ana Rees
Principal
Visiting Artist
On Friday 14th of July, our VCE Art: Creative Practice students enjoyed the opportunity to hear from visiting artist Martin Bell. He shared his career experiences, discussed his ideas and art practice, and then took a practical workshop exploring some his artistic imagery and processes. He was an open and generous presenter, who gave the students much to think about. His insight into the art industry, and the many ways artists grow, learn, and take risks in their career was much appreciated. The immediate responding artworks from students were inspired!
Our Unit 1 & 2 students are looking forward to continuing to work with Martin, undertaking a collaborative project in response to the artist and his work that they will be completing and presenting for discussion in early August.
Alex Ashley
Martin Bell
Martin’s work is currently on show at the National Gallery of Victoria’s ‘Melbourne Now’ exhibition. He is represented by a commercial art gallery and has been exhibited both nationally and internationally.
His work is held in several significant public collections, including the Gallery of New South Wales, the Gallery of South Australia, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the National Gallery of Australia. He has continued to work in relating fields throughout his career, from Sotheby’s auction house, to teaching in secondary schools, to sculpture departments on movie sets. He lives and practices in central Victoria.
2019-22 Pen and ink on 75 sheets
Marimba Ensemble
The KHS Marimba Ensemble has resumed their rowdy rehearsals with Andy Rigby, in preparation for playing at the KHS Music Soiree at the end of the term. We started off the first week in great fashion, with many members returning from last year, and quite a few new faces as well. Our first task was to relocate the marimbas into their temporary digs in Room 13. We learnt two songs in quick succession, with the older students giving a lending hand to the newbies. It is great to see this team-teaching approach, and is a great way for the older students to practise their leadership skills.
Judging from the smiles and laughter I hear from rehearsals, everyone is having a great time in the ensemble. There will be a short break from rehearsals for the first four weeks of term, while Andy completes an overseas study trip. We will return in Week 5. Places are limited due to space and numbers of instruments, but if anyone would like to join in, we rehearse on Tuesday afternoons after lunch in Room 13. All levels of musical expertise are welcome.
Juli Robinson
Indonesian Study Tour
We’re Back!
On behalf of the Indonesian teachers at KHS, we would like to thank the wonderful Year 11 and 12 students on their behaviour and enthusiasm on the recent study tour. It was the most amazing 15 days and we will all remember it forever. You made us and the school so proud!
Please read the following accounts from the students themselves.
Cassie Gunter
My experience in Yogyakarta was remarkable. Everything from exploring temples to working in rice fields (unpaid) with my class makes me miss Yogyakarta even more. I even miss waking up early to go to school and seeing my Indonesian skills improve. This trip has impacted my life for the better and I will never forget it.
Lukas D’Amato
Going on this trip was a fun experience and let me learn a lot about Indonesia that I wouldn’t have been able to learn in the classroom. My three favourite things were getting to visit the village and see how many people live their lives away from the city, visiting the Prambanan and Borobudur temples and getting to see city life in Indonesia. This trip was a great experience and definitely helped my Indonesian language skills.
Tobe Kolanowski
For VCE, our 11/12 combined Indonesian class went on a study tour to Bali and Yogyakarta in Indonesia. We experienced a diverse and brand new culture for the first time. One thing that was apparent and uniquely interesting was the ability to communicate with the local community and the differences between our lifestyles and theirs. The people there were excited when we spoke their language to them. Social media is still apparent however it is not as vital and intergrated into their society as it is ours. The local villages are very remote and also stay away from social media. Technology is still used but it’s not as forced in their community.
Tom Saunders
A few weeks ago the Year 11/12 Indonesian class returned from our 2 week trip in Bali and Yogyakarta! We all had the most incredible time immersing ourselves in the culture! I definitely enjoyed the more touristy things we did like going to Uluwatu temple and seeing the monkeys and going on a jeep ride around the volcano Mount Merapi, but I would have to say one of the most fun and rewarding days was when we went to a small village in Yogyakarta and truly got to experience the authentic culture and life in Indonesia! We all learnt how to plant rice in the rice fields with the locals, make traditional Tempe and my personal favourite was playing soccer with a group of local boys! We all had so so much fun and will remember this trip forever! Thank you Bu Kiky, Ms Gunter and Mr Comben!
Mon O’Toole
During my visit to Indonesia, I had the opportunity to see and do a lot. I appreciated seeing various cultures firsthand and learning about them, the temples, traditional dances, traditional clothes, foods, they were all beautiful and fascinating. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge from the trip and am grateful I was given this exceptional chance.
Miki Bartram
Our Indonesian VCE class went to Indonesia on Friday 16th June to learn about the language, food, culture, and many other things. Our first stop was in Kuta, Bali, where had an amazing view of the place around us, including the beach which we visited many times. We were introduced to speaking ‘Bahasa Indonesia’ on a daily basis, as we were buying gifts, ordering food, and asking for directions. After 3 days, we went to Yogyakarta for the schooling program until we returned to Bali for a day in between our flights. This is where we spent most of our time relaxing and enjoying the warm weather there, and I hope to return sometime in the near future.
Cam Egan
I had a wonderful time in Indonesia. I really enjoyed learning the language and being able to speak it to the local people. I really enjoyed being able to make connections with other people from another country – it helped my understanding of the Indonesian people’s culture. The language school really pushed me to practice my Indonesian and learn many new things about Indonesia that I didn’t know before.
Zak Hansen
Bali highlight would have to be waterbom! I am a dare- devil and loved all the water slides. I went on them so much I made friends with the people running them. I went down the death drop one about tiga belas kali. In Joja I loved travelling with Bu Kiky’s mum and niece. I got to travel on the local bus with them and went to Javanese warungs for dinner. I loved taking the traditional Yogyakarta dance class. Learning the differences between the arm placement between ballet and Joja style was really interesting, I learnt a lot.
Lana Hughes
School For Student Leadership
Congratulations to our Year 9 students below who began their SSL journey this past week, we wish you all the very best and look forward to hearing about all your adventures!
Kyneton High was again granted a team placement for this Term 3 in the 2023 School for Student Leadership program.
We have been involved in this program for several years and it provides an outstanding experience for all involved. The program is an initiative of the education department for Year 9 students. Each campus hosts a different team each term with a group of 40 students from different Victorian state schools. It is a residential program that is usually nine weeks during term.
Our 2023 Term 3 placement is at their fourth and newest campus; Haining Farm Campus which is located at Don Valley, in the Yarra Valley.
The other campuses are;
•Alpine School Campus at Dinner Plain, in the Victorian Alps.
•Snowy River Campus at Marlo, in East Gippsland.
•Gnurad-Gundidj Campus at Glenormiston, in the Western District.
The SSL provides experiential education that supports personal growth, aspiration, and transformation of all students as global citizens. This is achieved through an immersive residential program for Year 9 Government school students which enables them to grow into better citizens and leaders through increased self-awareness, social engagement, community connection and environmental stewardship.
The cost is currently $900 (inclusive of everything) for the nine weeks at the Don Valley campus.
Mr Hill
Year 9 Outdoor Ed Camp
Minus 2 degrees overnight, ice on inside of our tents!
Grampians (Gariwerd)
National Park
We hiked up to The Pinnacle and stayed at Stoney Creek campground. Hard work but spectacular views.
Second day walked to the lookout at
Mt. Rosea, once again stunning views.
Then down to Borough Huts to camp for the night. Great camp had by all.
Mr Vine
Last day before pickup Cooper decided he was undertaking the ice bath challenge!
Show ‘N’ Shine
Next Friday 28th July a class of Year 12 students will be running our very first Show ‘N’ Shine (Car Show and Competition), which doubles as a fundraiser for a KHS school mascot costume that these students are also leading.
As part of VCE/VM (formerly VCAL) Personal Development Skills, students plan, organise and carry out a complex, self-directed project. These students have hit the mark addressing a number of outcomes through such work; by involving community, enhancing social connectedness, demonstrating critical and creative thinking, developing planning and organisational skills and problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
So please come along and support this student-led initiative showing some KHS pride!
See posters above for more details on the event.
Ben Hill
Keeping Fit
Year 9 SEPEP Basketball
Lots of the students in Year 9 at Kyneton High School enjoy playing basketball. Many play outside of school, or have played competitively in the past, while some have not played outside of PE lessons at school.
This year in Year 9 PE we ran a program based on ‘Sport Education Physical Education Program’ or SEPEP for teaching basketball. The idea of SEPEP is to replicate a season of sport. Rather than direct teacher instruction and a short unit (such as 3 weeks), SEPEP features students being placed in a team, and learning through games for the duration of the unit. In SEPEP students take the role of coach, captain, umpire/referee, and scorer. This enabled some keen basketballers to demonstrate fantastic skills in helping their class mates understand the game and improve their skills. Basketball is a great game for SEPEP everyone can improve and learn as they play more games together.
We were able to swap Year 9 classes around so that they could play each other in PE lesson leading up to the tournament. From this we knew that the teams in 9D were skilled and confident in basketball.
On the last day of Term 2, Thursday 22nd June, we held the season finale of the basketball program. This is an important part of SEPEP and represents the grand final and celebration of the competition.
The day was a free dress day, very cold, and quite a few students were absent after a big fortnight of camps, and some winter time illness. Seven teams took part in the tournament, with each team wearing a different coloured bib or sash. The seven teams played a knock-out competition, with two initial rounds, a semi-final and a grand final.
Teams from 9A and 9C won through to the semi-finals to play against the two 9D teams, but in the end the grand final was D1 vs D2. The strength of Angus Hoyne, Rocco DiMaggio, Keely McColley, Reagan O’Toole, Zyth Tipay and Henry Coleman was their offence and amazing rebounding. They worked well as a team, and beat the opposition 18 – 10.
We were lucky to have year 12 student and school captain Mitchell Boyer and Year 10 student Klem Evans umpire all of the games in the tournament.
Congratulations to all Year 9 students who participated in the competition, particularly those who challenged themselves to improve in an unfamiliar game, those who stepped into umpiring or coaching jobs, and those who made huge improvements to how they shared both the ball and play with others. This was an excellent showcase of skills, teamwork and a proud moment for the teachers.
Ms Strickland
Survival In The Water
They learnt basic survival skills to keep themselves and their friends and family safe around and in the water. This was also a prerequisite for students wanting to participate in the Funfields excursion at the end of the year and other excursions around water during their school years.
All students that participated did a great job, had smiles and a bit of fun doing something different and learning valuable lifelong skills.
Jodie Cox
State Cross Country
Massive congratulations to Lana Hughes who was lucky enough to represent Kyneton High School at State Cross Country on Thursday July 13th. This is a massive achievement, and we are extremely proud of her efforts.
Well done, Lana!
Mr Eddy
Lana Hughes : Kyneton High’s “Have A Go At Absolutely Everything!” Champion!!!
How The Race Went Down
Lana reports on a tough race
Cross country State Championships for 2023 have come to an end.
This year the competition was held at the racecourse in Yarra Valley, for those who went to the regionals at Kilmore racecourse, surprisingly this racecourse was much muddier.
Running in the last three-kilometre race for the day after both the High and Primary school age group races, the track was very muddy. About two kilometres of the track was off the actual racetrack which was nice as it was along a hill, unfortunately it was extra muddy when we ran onto the horse track, and I rolled my ankle.
I wasn’t going to let that stop me finishing, as there’s always next year but for me there isn’t, so I pushed through and finished the race, coming a close last.
The atmosphere at the States is one everyone should try to experience once in their school career. For the last time at a school level, I competed with the people I’ve been competing with since primary school and little athletics.
Year 11 Sport & Rec
 | This week the year 11 Cert III Sport and Recreation class commenced their term of sport sessions with the students at Newham Primary School. |  |
| The students will learn valuable leadership, coaching and sport administration skills as well as planning, delivering and evaluating their own and others strengths and areas requiring improvement. |  | The students will run 2 one hour sport sessions every Monday for the remainder of the term. The first hour will be with the Prep, 1 and 2 students and the second hour with the grade 3, 4, 5 and 6 students. They will focus on the skills and game sense requirements of three different sports over the term including basketball, soccer and football. There will also be a variety of fun minor games in the mixture. |
 | The first session was very successful. The students were nervous on arrival but soon gained confidence as they followed their plans to provide the students with an active fun-filled hour. We are looking forward to seeing our skills develop over the 9 weeks. Jodie Cox |  |
No. 2 : The Hollywood Sign
Constructed in 1923 as a big temporary advertisement for a
real estate development called ‘Hollywoodland’,
it was an electrified sign with lights that blinked at night.
It was only meant to last for 18 months –
but just like the Kyneton High School magazine,
it’s still around after 100 years and almost as iconic!
The sign as it originally looked.
The very first edition of the KHS Magazine!
This year’s Columns will be a special Centenary Edition,
celebrating 100 Years of telling our own story –
100 Years of Only About Us!!
If you have already shelled out your $25, relax.
Your piece of history is assured.
If you haven’t, don’t relax!
Get up and walk/run/trot/ride/drive/fly to
the KHS Office with $25.
Or if you’d rather not get up, payment can be made via BPAY,
or by card over the phone on the usual number : 5421 1100.
School Notices
Year 9 into 10 Pathways & Course Information Session
Tuesday 25th July 6.00pm to 6.30pm
Year 9 Parents/Carers and Students are invited to the Year 9 into 10 Pathways and Course Information Session to be held on Tuesday 25th July commencing at 6.00pm. This Information Session provides students and their families the opportunity to obtain more information on pathways, opportunities and different learning programs as they consider their options for Year 10 in 2024. The Session will be held in the School Hall.
Following this information session, course counselling for students will occur during class time with appropriate staff. Students will receive instructions on how to access the subject selection portal using the EDVAL web choices subject selection process. It is important that parent/carers sign the proposed subject selection choices for their student.
Any student who is considering a VCE subject as part of the Accelerated Learning Program for Year 10 will need to organise a course counselling interview. The 2024 Accelerated Program Guidelines will also be outlined during the Information Session.
Year 10 into 11 VCE/VM 2024 Information Session
Tuesday 25th July 6.45pm
Year 10 Parents/Carers and Students are invited to attend the Year 10 into 11 VCE/VM 2024 Pathways and Course Information Session to be held on Tuesday 25th July commencing at 6.45pm. This session will be held on-site in the School Hall. We will be providing information on the requirements for the VCE / Vocational Major (VM) Program and the expectations we have for students as they progress into these two very important years of their schooling.
Decisions about planning pathways are important and all parents / carers are encouraged to attend this session.
Course Counselling Sessions
Following the information evening, we will also be offering individual Course Counselling Sessions with students to discuss the options available. These course counselling sessions will be held from Monday 31st July to Friday 4th August during school times. The course counselling sessions are being held by Careers Advisors Kate Sims and Rosemary White, as well as the Year 10 Careers Teachers. Students will be advised of their times during careers classes. They will then complete their subject selections using the on-line EDVAL web choices subject selection process. Students will be given instructions on how to do this and we ask that parent/carers ensure they sign their student’s subject choices.
We sincerely hope that you will take this opportunity to learn about your student’s options and pathways for their future beyond school. It would be appreciated if you could RSVP your attendance to the Year 10 into 11 VCE/VM Information Session via xuno/email to Annette Brown by Friday 21st July. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information at this stage on ph: 5421 1100.
Annette Brown on behalf of the Senior Years Team
annette.brown@education.vic.gov.au
Attention all Year 11 students and families
The ordering for the first round of Year 12 2024 Uniforms is now open!
Thank you very much to those Year 11 students who were in the design team and responded to their peers’ feedback in design of these garments. They have produced some terrific looking uniform items for next year!
1. Orders can be placed through this link:
https://www.reformclothing.com/au/order/11082123263
2. All advice re. sizing, input for student nicknames on their garments and payments for these, can be made through the Reform Clothing link above.
3. BTW: samples for sizing for students to try on are now available in the Student Leadership Lounge. These can accessed to try on during recess and lunchtimes.
4. Reform Clothing have provided the deadline for this, our first round of orders, to be in by
Tuesday 29th August
in order for students to receive their uniform by mid November, ready for the start of the students ‘stepping up’ to Year 12 for their two weeks of Begin 2024. Therefore we have a window of 5 weeks for this first round of orders.
5. Any families that can’t make this first deadline will have to wait until we do the re-order in Term 1 2024. This 2nd round of orders usually occurs in the first few weeks of Term 1, for students then to receive their garments by end of Term 1 / start of Term 2.
For further information, please contact Mr. Benjamin Hill
(Student Leadership Team Teacher Liaison) via XUNO.
Co-Curricular Clubs & Activities
Keep up to date with our Co-Curricular Clubs and Activities!
Some additions to the schedule below for Term 3 include:
A. The Student Leadership Lounge is open 5 days a week at both recess/ lunch for any students who wish to:
– borrow sporting equipment to use at break times
-heat up their food
– redeem MyMahi points
B. Study/ Homework Club is on every Tuesday lunch in B4, led by some of our Senior students, for all interested students.
C. Our Sustainability Captains are dedicating Wednesday recess in the SLT Lounge to all things sustainability for all interested students.
Calling all music and nostalgia lovers! I am thrilled to announce that I’ll be hitting the stage once again in the sensational musical ‘Downtown! The Mod Musical’ If you’re ready to take a groovy trip back to the swinging 60s, this is the show for you!
Join me at the Bluestone Theatre in Kyneton, from July 28th-29th to August 5th.
Expect to be mesmerised by the iconic tunes that defined an era, including classics like ‘These Boots Are Made for Walking’ and ‘Son of a Preacher Man.’ The music, the fashion, and the spirit of the 60s will come alive on stage, transporting you to a time of revolution and liberation. This show is bursting with energy, vibrant choreography, and a stellar cast that will keep you dancing in your seat.
Don’t miss out on this electrifying journey through an unforgettable decade! Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and join us for an evening of pure entertainment and groovy vibes!
Tickets are now available via trybooking. Let’s gather together, celebrate the swinging 60s, and create memories that will last a lifetime. See you at ‘Downtown! The Mod Musical‘!
Ms Scott
KHS – Useful Contacts In 2023
Year Level Leaders
| Year 7 | James Shepherd-Turnbull |
| Year 8 | Geoff Comben |
| Year 9 | Dave Romer |
| Year 10 | Tim Rickwood |
| Year 11 | Rebecca Wallace |
| Year 12 | Emma Nelms |
| Year 7/8 Sub School Leader | Cassie Gunter |
| Middle Years Careers | Kate Sims |
| VCE and Year 11/12 Careers | Rosemary White |
| Disability & Inclusion | Cas Tardif |
Learning Area Leaders
| Arts | Alex Ashley |
| English | Emma Nelms Melanie Bone |
| Health & P.E. | Jodie Cox |
| Homegroup | Caroline Sharpe |
| Humanities | Rosemary White |
| Languages | Geoff Comben Kiky Amelia |
| Mathematics | Alex Pascoe |
| Science | Teegan Swinden |
| Technologies | Andrew Azzopardi |
Home Group Staff
| 7A | Kris Ford |
| 7B | William Mulvaney |
| 7C | Jayden Andrea |
| 7D | Alex Frank |
| 7E | Molly Thomas |
| 8A | Quynh Ho |
| 8B | Julian Bedford |
| 8C | Ryan Eddy |
| 8D | Melanie Bone |
| 8E | Teegan Swinden |
| 8F | Caroline Sharpe |
| 9A | Jane Strickland |
| 9B | Camille Price |
| 9C | Katie Matthews |
| 9D | Kyle McCabe |
Coming up…
Some dates for the diary
| Monday 24th July – Friday 28th July | Year 9 Morrisby interviews |
| Monday 24th July | Year 11 into 12 subject selection opens |
| Tuesday 25th July | Year 9 into 10 Course Info Evening 6 – 6.30pm Year 10 into 11 Course Info Evening 6.45 – 7.30pm |
| Friday 28th July | Year 12 Show ‘n’ shine 6 – 8pm |
| Monday 31st July – Friday 4th August | Year 10 course counselling |
| Monday 31st July | Sport: Year 7 basketball Year 8/9 into 9/10 Course Info Sessions Year 10 into 11 subject selection opens |
| Friday 4th August | Natonal Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day Year 9 Step up interviews |
| Monday 7th August – Friday 11th August | Year 11 & 12 family interviews |
| Monday 7th August | Year 8/9 into 9/10 subject selection opens |
| Tuesday 8th August | Equine therapy |
| Wednesday 9th August | International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples Year 12 Pathways info session 6.30pm |
| Thursday 10th August | School Council |
| Monday 14th August – Friday 18th August | Science Week |
| Monday 14th August | Sport : Year 8 netball (Regional) |
| Wednesday 16th August | Pupil free day |
| Friday 18th August | National Day of Action against Bullying & Violence |
KYNETON HIGH SCHOOL