Kariong Mountains High School Newsletter - Term 4 - Week 8 - 2019 1

N E W S L E T T E RAddress: 10 Festival Drive, Mt Penang Parklands Kariong NSW 2250 Email: kariongmtn-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au Website: kariongmountains-high.com.au Portal: web1.kariongmtns-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/portal/login

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAYC A L E N D A R

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I N T H I S I S S U E :

TERM 4 | WEEK 8 December 6, 2019

December 13

Pupil Free DayDecember 20

December 12

December 19Pupil Free Day

December 11

December 18Music Tour of Primary Schools Last Day for Students

December 10

December 17Music Tour of Primary Schools

December 9

December 16Presentation Day 1:30Presentation Evening 6:30pm

Calendar and Highlights Page 1Principal’s Report Page 2Deputy Principal: Years 8 - 12 Page 2Deputy Principal: Year 7 Page 3RoSA Information from NESA Page 3Newsletter Quiz Link Page 3 Faculty News: CAPA Pages 4-5Faculty News: English Pages 6-7Faculty News: HSIE Page 8Faculty News: Mathematics Page 9Faculty News: PDHPE Page 10

Latest News on KMHS Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kariongmountainshigh/

Students and Staff, who participated in a successful Evening of Excellence.

What talent is nurtured and grown at KMHS!

KMHS Library on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kmhslibrary/

Enjoy this bumper edition with exciting news from all the faculties

Faculty News: Science Pages 11-12Faculty News: STEAM Page 13Faculty News: TAS Page 14Wellbeing at KMHS Page 15Library Highlights Page 16Community Notices Page 17

Gold Coast Excursion Gold Coast Excursion Gold Coast ExcursionYear Assembly

Gold Coast Excursion Gold Coast Excursion

Kariong Mountains High School Newsletter - Term 4 - Week 8 - 2019 2

As this is the last official newsletter for the year, I would like to take the opportunity to thank our students, families and staff for another great year of learning and collaboration at Kariong Mountains High School.

Evolving with prideI think I have mentioned this, in past years, that it is truly a privilege to be Principal of a school that does not just wait for change to be imposed, but leads that change in an effort to stay relevant and best meet the needs of our students. We are about ‘evolving’ our practice because that is what great teachers do and our students are taught by great teachers. I am truly proud of our great staff!

From time to time, difficult decisions have to be made about individual students or processes in general and these sometimes draw criticism. Please remember, that we welcome providing explanations for decisions that have been made, that our intent is always about what will provide the best outcome and that if we make a mistake we will own that. Additionally, if a comment is being made (particularly on social media) about the school, its staff or processes that is really bizarre or unreasonable, it will be untrue! We hope that common sense can prevail.

Fundraising Thank YouA big thanks to our student leadership team for fundraising for the RFS in recognition of the great work they do in volunteering their time to keep our communities safe. Thank you to the students for supporting this initiative and raising $400. Thank you to our staff, who have also been fund raising for a cause, and will contribute $600 to the RFS, as well. Community spirit is alive and thriving at KMHS.

Preparing for 2020Although this is the last official newsletter, I will put out a small update in Week 10, with some dates for 2020 to help get the school year off to a good start.

Ms Anne VinePrincipal

From Our Deputy Principal

During Week 6, we held our postponed STARS Assembly for the second semester. Congratulations, to the 195 students who were recognised for their commitment to their studies. It was encouraging to see that we continue to have so many students meet the more stringent criteria and are recognised.

Gold CoastA large number of students in Year 10 are looking forward to the annual trip to Queensland in Week 9. Students not attending the excursion are required at school on all days, except for Friday. Prior to then, a number of activities have been organised. This Friday, ‘Blue Datto’ visited the school as part of the mandatory ‘Life Ready’ course. On the other days, students will complete finance modules that are included as part of the course.

Five modules of ‘All My Own Work’ need to be completed before students enter Preliminary courses for Year 11 next year and time was set aside during Weeks 7 and 8 for these to be completed.

Equipment lists for Years 8, 9 and 10 for 2020 can be accessed on our website: https://kariongmountains-high.com.au/community/parent-resources/ Senior students will be informed of their requirements early next year.

We are almost at the end of Term 4 and I would like to wish all students and their families a happy and safe vacation. Thank you to the students for a great 2019 and I am looking forward to an even better 2020.

Mr Scott WhiteDeputy Principal

From Our Principal

11875 10304 11532 12646

CONGRATULATIONS to our Canteen Voucher WINNERS:

Michael - Year 11

KMHS Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Award

Congratulations, POPRAN:The 2019 Winning House

Kariong Mountains High School Newsletter - Term 4 - Week 8 - 2019 3

From Our Deputy PrincipalYear 7 2020The transition from Year 6 into high school is in full swing with a number of programs currently underway, including a well-attended parent information evening, JumpStart and Year Advisor visits of our partner schools. Mrs Monica Pallas and Mr Sean Klempert and the team

have been working very hard behind the scenes to ensure a smooth and successful start to 2020.

Mr Klempert made a thoughtful observation about his Year 7 cohort. Twenty-twenty vision is a term used to express perfect visual clarity and he made the comparison that this year group will be the best ever in the history of Kariong Mountains. He reasoned that Year 7 2020 will have a clear and purposeful mindset right from the start.

All placements offered in the Year 7 2020 High Achievers class have been accepted, which means that this class is now full, with a waiting list of approximately eight students. From what we have seen in the primary school data, the 2020 cohort is shaping up to be academically strong across the whole cohort. So please be assured, that whether in the High Achievers or mixed ability classes, your child will be challenged with a high standard of learning to grow their knowledge and skills.

Still deciding which high school would be the best fit for you and your child? It is not too late to check out all we have to offer here at Kariong Mountains High. Drop us a line and we can organise a tour with the Principal or email out an information pack. We have trained Year 8 Peer Support Leaders eager to demonstrate all that our school has to offer.

I would like to acknowledge the ongoing commitment of our partner schools, Kariong Public School, Somersby Public School, Central Mangrove Public School, Peats Ridge Public School and Kulnura Public School, in fully supporting the transition program and resulting in a positive transition experience for all.

Here is a short read from the Art of Smart website about supporting children with the transition from primary school to high school: https://www.artofsmart.com.au/helping-your-child-transition-into-high-school/

I would also like to acknowledge the work of Mrs Hogan, Ms McLennan and Year 9 mentors in their work with our STAR students.

Mrs Jacqui MatthewDeputy Principal Year 7

Congratulations, CAITLIN, our #3 Newsletter Quiz WINNER!

TAKE THE QUIZ: https://kariongmountains-high.com.au/kmhs-quiz/

If all your answers are correct, you go in the draw to win a prize! Correct answers and winner will be published in the next newsletter.

Correct answers to QUIZ #3:1. What is the school’s policy on Energy Drinks? = (B) To confiscate2. Which House Teams are currently in 1st and 2nd place? = Popran and Bouddi3. Why was Kariong Mountains High School closed Nov 12? = (B) One access road4. ‘Watch and Act’ fire alert means there is a heightened level of threat and you need to take actions to keep safe. = True5. What are the Year 8 Mock Interviews? = (C) An opportunity for students to experience the interview process in a supported environment6. True or False? The Year 12 Formal was held at The Springs. = (B) False

RoSA Information from NESAThe NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) issues the Record of School Achievement (RoSA) to eligible students who leave school before completing the Higher School Certificate (HSC).

The RoSA is a cumulative credential and contains a student’s record of academic achievement up until the date they leave school. This could be at the end of Year 10 or up until and including the end of Year 12.

The RoSA records completed Year 10 and Year 11 courses and grades, and Year 12 HSC results. It also records participation in any uncompleted Year 11 or Year 12 courses, minimum standard literacy and numeracy test results, and the date of leaving school.Students who have undertaken a VET course as part of their RoSA will be issued with additional VET certification documentation that recognises their achievement towards a nationally recognised Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) VET qualification.

The RoSA is useful to students leaving school prior to the HSC because they can show it to potential employers or places of further learning. The RoSA is also available to students who, from 2020, have not demonstrated the HSC minimum standard for the HSC credential. Students who subsequently (in the five-year accumulation period) become eligible for the HSC by demonstrating the HSC minimum standard will be issued with a Higher School Certificate testamur and have their results re-issued on a Record of Achievement.

While the RoSA credential is for school leavers, all Years 10, 11 and 12 students are able to access and print a Student eRecord via their NESA Students Online account. The eRecord is not a formal NESA credential, but has the same information as a RoSA.

Students who leave school before finishing Year 10 are not eligible for a RoSA. If students leave after Year 10 and still do not meet RoSA requirements they will be issued with a Transcript of Study, which is a record of courses satisfactorily completed.

Kariong Mountains High School Newsletter - Term 4 - Week 8 - 2019 4

CAPA: Faculty NEWS - VISUAL ARTS

YEAR 11: has been busy exploring 2D, 3D and 4D art

in a range of themes such as the human body and places

and spaces. Congratulations, and well done to our Year 12

Visual Arts students, who completed their HSC Body of Works and Visual Arts exam.

YEAR 10: has finished their Stage 5 Visual Arts elective

strong, with a variety of creative and colourful photographs,

paintings and drawings.

YEAR 9 has explored different worlds,

creating Sea-Ramic clay sculptures & painting like the

Hiedelburg artists of the 1890s on their

9x5 wood boards.

YEAR 7: Exploring both their

realistic and Surreal worlds with

a range of mediums.

Kariong Mountains High School Newsletter - Term 4 - Week 8 - 2019 5

CAPA: Faculty NEWS - MUSIC

Year 8Year 8 has completed the mandatory Stage 4 course, where they learnt how to play a variety of instruments including the guitar, keyboard, drums and other percussion. They learnt about pop music, rock music and music for film, television and radio.

Year 9Year 9 has been focusing on composition and performance across the topics of baroque music, music of a culture, popular music and technology and its influence on music.

Year 10 Year 10 has just completed the Stage 5 course, which included a focus on listening and performance tasks across the topics of rock music, classical music, Australian music and film music. A highlight for the students was the completion of their ‘Like a version’ task, where they filmed an arrangement of a famous Australian song which was posted on social media.

Music IndustryThe 2019 HSC cohort of Music 1 and Music Industry students has now completed their studies. The Music Industry students spent time writing and recording their own songs in our studio.

HSC MusicOur new 2020 HSC cohort of students are now busy working in their respective courses. The Music 1 students are finalising their arrangements for presentation, whilst the Music Industry students are working on their own compositions using digital audio workstations.

Outside of the classroom, the students have also been incredibly busy. This year we have had a student album recorded at the Grove Studios, as well as concerts at the Waterfall Café, the Mangrove Mountains Country fair, our partner primary schools and of course, every Friday in the main quad at school.

KMHS student playing the drums in the music room.

Archiiie album cover and group photo of students who were part of creating the album.

Kariong Mountains High School Newsletter - Term 4 - Week 8 - 2019 6

ENGLISH: Faculty News

From the HT2019 has been another great year in the English and Drama faculty, with some excellent learning happening across classes in 7-12. The English faculty continues to engage changing pedagogies in the classroom and provide students opportunities to learn in diverse ways and apply these skills in contexts outside of the classroom. Whilst part of what we do is to continue to teach the classics from the past, we strive to engage students and provide them opportunities to develop the skills they will likely need for the future. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms Hickey and Ms Hopping for their contribution to the faculty and our students. Both are moving into school counsellor positions in 2020 and they will be missed. Mr Beau CrumHead Teacher English

Year 7 DramaThe students this year have shown incredible creativity in a variety of dramatic roles and activities. From improvisation to theatre sports, script writing to performing, costume design to set design, they have excelled at each task. What a creative bunch of students this year in Year 7!

Ms Kate Hopping

“I enjoyed learning drama skills through fun games the teacher organised.” Thomas

“I really liked creating the clothes and dresses in drama as I liked working as a team to create something fun and memorable.” Leila

“ ... I liked making the mask because I got to use my imagination of what a horror character would look like and put that look on a mask ... I really enjoyed doing this as I love doing arts and crafts and using imagination to create something fun and cool.” - Amelia

“ ... There were lots of different masks, like a corpse bride, a zombie, and mostly just people with scary faces. Over all it was lots of fun and I thoroughly enjoyed it. ” - Mikayla

Year 8 English: Horror and MasksThe most enjoyable project in English this year was making visual representations of texts in our ‘Horror’ genre study. Students made facemasks that had elements of horror, using their experience with films, poems and short stories from the unit. The masks were made using papier-mache, paint, metal, and most excitingly, fake blood! Students were enthralled with the process of learning how to make ‘stage blood’ using ordinary (and edible) household products, which was then applied to the masks for an extra gore effect. Ms Courtney Thompson

Kariong Mountains High School Newsletter - Term 4 - Week 8 - 2019 7

Year 8 English: Survival ProjectsSome great learning occurred in our Survival Projects in 2019. Students in our 8S class created some excellent projects, with some students making survival shelters out of materials from the environment, others made rafts that could be used in an emergency situation and one group even designed a modelled housing system for people who live in the desert. Mr Beau Crum

“... creating the model was a fun and interesting process ... it challenged me and took me outside of my comfort zone, which I like.” - Monira

“... It was fun coming up with ideas of what we were going to do because there were so many good ones.” - Isabelle

“... I enjoyed thinking about what structure the raft would need to have and the comfort.” - Rachel

Year 9/10 DramaIn Term 3, the class studied Realism through the play ‘Dags’. The students loved reading the script together and were enthusiastic about blocking scenes for performance. They learnt how to apply Stanislavski’s method to develop their characters in the play and were able to work together to produce quality theatre. Mrs Danielle Hunt

Year 9 EnglishYear 9 enjoyed working on research, critical and creative projects independently and in groups. The variety of texts studied provided students with the opportunity to reflect on and evaluate links between texts and ideas. The use of Google Sites was particularly successful as students could collaborate on a shared site, developing their research, editing and ICT skills in English. Mr Chris Whitington

Year 10 EnglishStudents in Year 10 have enjoyed studying a range of texts which have challenged their previously held perceptions about the world around them, and the way they think about texts. This has included Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’, William Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, as well as selected poems from Peter Skrzynecki’s ‘The Immigrant Chronicles’. Year 10 has enthusiastically embraced the deconstruction of these texts and it has been personally rewarding to watch their critical thinking skills evolve throughout the course. As crazy as it seems, a personal highlight for me this year has been teaching essay writing, due to the eagerness and fearlessness with which this class faces any challenge which is presented to them. Ms Hickey

“I really enjoyed reading and analysing ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ individually and as a class.” - Asia

“I really enjoyed reading to Kill a Mockingbird. It was incredibly relevant to some issues that are still present in modern day and was such a great book. The book made you motivated to write about it, making the assessment for that topic so much easier to do.” - Jessica

“I enjoy the annotating of poems we did it as a class and it was easier and interesting hearing the different interpretations in the class.” - Ramani

... English continued

Year 8 students presenting their work on Survival Projects.

Drama students honing their acting skills

Kariong Mountains High School Newsletter - Term 4 - Week 8 - 2019 8

HSIE: Faculty News

Central Coast Future CouncilTuesday 27 August, 2019 Central Coast Council Chambers – Gosford

Attended by: Ethan M, Ethan B, Luca M and Nicole M (Ms Milne).

Future Council is a unique opportunity for Stage 5 students to experience the decision making role of elected representatives in the Local Council Chambers. Central Coast Council,

in partnership with Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre, invites schools to enter a team of four potential civic leaders to participate in a mock Council meeting. The meeting agenda includes a range of environmental and social issues relevant to our community.

‘The Central Coast Future Council was an amazing experience that I would recommend people be part of. It helps bring awareness to students about big and controversial topics affecting the Central Coast. Meeting students from other schools also allows us to speak about these topics in a less formal manner and hear the points of people that are really invested into these topics. The way that the

program is run allows the members of the program to work together and be in an environment where everyone is on the same page. Because we only have a small set of topics and standpoints to choose from we are forced to use the techniques that we have learned from English and apply knowledge that has not been learned from school to achieve valid arguments. Also by researching these topics we also increase our situational awareness of the Central Coast. It is a great experience that I highly recommend for students wanting to put their speaking, debating and Central Coast knowledge to the test, in a formal environment.’ – Ethan Year 10

Quotes from Year 7:“HSIE has a good learning atmosphere. Great vibes in the classroom”. Nash

“In HSIE I really like the topics we study, especially Ancient Egypt and Water in the World”. Charli

“In HSIE, we learn heaps of skills. I especially enjoyed Virtual Reality. You get to look at famous landmarks and historical sites; its like you are there”. Cian

“In HSIE there is thought and effort put into each lesson. Learning about the world is so interesting. There is something new in every lesson. Every topic is worthwhile”. Keira

Year 7 HSIE looking at erosion as part of the ‘Landscapes and Landforms’ topic.

Year 9 History students recording their Pecha Kucha for an overview of World War II.

Year 11 students used LEGO to explore the layout of Pompeian houses as part of the Core Study: Cities of Vesuvius.

Year 8 HSIE students made ‘Polynesian Boats’ using materials they collected from the playground, combined with paddle-pop sticks, rubber bands etc. The boats were then launched in the dam to see how sea-worthy they were.

Year 7 HSIE studied Ancient Egypt as part of the ‘The Ancient World’ topic. Students made individual works and mummified apples.

Kariong Mountains High School Newsletter - Term 4 - Week 8 - 2019 9

MATHEMATICS: Faculty News

Enjoy this collage with photos and student quotes from the Mathematics faculty ...

Winners of the Monopoly – Newcastle edition. Presented by ambassadors of the Greater Bank.

Year 10 putting the ‘M’ in ‘STEAM’.

“Maths club is a useful group that has helped me improve in class and get better grades.” Sitiveni M

“It was a banga! I enjoyed the real life examples as it was very intriguing.” Josh M (in response to the financial literacy presentations)

Below: Year 12 demonstrating practical applications of network.

Years 7 and 8 demonstrating their ‘CUBES’ problem solving strategy.

Kariong Mountains High School Newsletter - Term 4 - Week 8 - 2019 10

PDHPE: Faculty NewsIt has been a busy time for PDHPE and Sport in 2019. A major focus has been programming for the new PDHPE syllabus. Years 7 and 9 are studying the new course, Years 8 and 10 will be implemented in 2020.

AquaticsYear 7 students have recently been developing skills to prepare them for summer on the coast in a variety of aquatic environments. Students have travelled to Gosford Pool, where they have been practising safe entry and exit techniques as well as a range of survival skills. Before the end of term, they will be exposed to games and fun activities to stay active and cool over the holidays.

AFL ResearchSome of our Year 8 students have been participating in a research project with the University of Western Sydney. The students used technology to assist in understanding of game play in a unit on AFL and are assisting to build the body of evidence to support the teaching of games for understanding and the development of game sense.

Year 9 students have covered dangers and false messages, easily distributed in today’s social media crazy world. They have also engaged in and created sports that can be modified and inclusive for people from all ability levels.

Year 10 has developed strategies for coping with adversity and presented campaigns to reduce the harmful consequences of the misuse of technology.

Our elective classes have been engaged in a variety of pursuits.

Rugby has recently completed their Rugby First Aid assessments, displaying a strong understanding of injury prevention methods and concussion management. They also represented the school in the Central Coast 7s Rugby Gala Day, showing tremendous skill, strength and commitment to successfully compete against much larger schools. The students have continued to develop their skills effectively during the skills sessions, demonstrating a great improvement throughout the year. Mr O’Mahony is looking forward to pre-season fitness training at the beginning of next year.

Outdoor Recreation classes have been provided with an excellent opportunity for the ‘Waves to Wheels’ unit of work this term. The students enjoyed a full day of guest coaching for skateboarding and scootering, and over the past three weeks they have been able to practise their skills and refine their techniques while the quad has been transformed into our very own skate park. These students will be able to transfer these skills to other sports, especially surfing as they prepare for the upcoming summer

holidays. It has been wonderful for us to see the students step out of their comfort zone and apply the feedback, both internally and externally, to execute new skills. We are looking forward to all the activities on offer in 2020 for Outdoor Rec and thank you to our students for a wonderful year.

Sporting AchievementsWe have had plenty of opportunities to congratulate our students who excel in their sporting areas and go on to play in representative teams, including the following students who have represented Sydney North at State events:

Athletics: Ella C and Josh F Touch: Chris L, Nathan HRugby Union: Suli H

In addition, Suli and Chris represented NSW in their respective sports. Suli toured Canada representing Country NSW, while Chris was named in the School Sport Australia All Australian Boys Touch Football Team, the highest achievement he can reach, in his school representative pathway this year.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the PDHPE staff as well as the teachers who take sport or sporting teams for their hard work and dedication to the students at KMHS. The provision of such a range of activities over the course of a year is a testament to this.

Ms Kerry SmithHead Teacher PDHPE

Students practising Rugby skills

KMHS boys busy working on their project.

Scateboarding and scootering in the quad.

Kariong Mountains High School Newsletter - Term 4 - Week 8 - 2019 11

SCIENCE: Faculty NewsWhat a busy year we have had in the Science faculty. This year saw the re-badging of the BioScience courses into new STEAM modules, which has been very exciting. An article in this newsletter will provide more information on this.

BUILDING A FOUNDATION OF 21st CENTURY SKILLS IN SCIENCEThe Science faculty has very heavily embraced the new focus on building skills in our students to be able to design investigations, solve problems and draw conclusions in a variety of applications. This was evidenced in the recently published Year 10 Science VALID results showing above State average in all three areas of science skills.

Next year will see this focus become embedded practice throughout all Stages 4 and 5 programs, where students will be taught specific skills in the context of the program content. The overall result will be students more engaged in their science studies and not simply having their heads filled with facts they can easily Google.

ENGAGEMENT IN SCIENCEThe Science faculty’s goal this year has been to increase engagement in Science through guided discovery and inquiry based learning activities. This has seen the students accessing the labs over 50% of their allocated class time and producing documentaries, newspaper articles, web sites and presentations aimed at learning through teaching.

Surveys of our students have confirmed that students have enjoyed this style of learning and look forward to more of this next year.

YOUNG SCIENTIST AWARDS AND SCIENCE WEEKThis year, Kariong Mountains High School celebrated its 10th Annual National Science Week with an experiment fest day with over 200 primary school students taught by Year 9 students and an expo evening.

Once again, the expo evening showcased the Young Scientist Award projects completed by the selective classes from Years 7-9 and this year featured seven projects from Kariong Primary School, who were also entered in the competition. At the time of writing, we are awaiting the results from the competition.

This year’s theme was ‘Destination Moon: 50 years of Discovery and Science’. Our Year 10 accelerated class produced an amazing lunar discovery room that allowed visitors to immerse themselves into the theme.

Photos from Science Week and the expo evening at KMHS.

Kariong Mountains High School Newsletter - Term 4 - Week 8 - 2019 12

... Science continued

STAGE 6The Science faculty would like to congratulate all of the students who completed their HSC studies in Science this year. We are proud of all of you and wish you all the best in your future studies.

This year, we had two of our Year 11 students complete their HSC in Investigating Science and they now have successfully completed one of their HSC subjects.

Term 4 has seen our Year 11 students commence their HSC subjects and the physics students enjoyed exploring projectile motion, firing Nerf gun bullets, and occasionally hitting their teacher.

UTS ENGINEERING VISITThis term, our wonderful careers teacher, Ms Cutting, organised a visit from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) engineering students who ran three workshops for our selective students in Years 8, 9 and 10.

The challenges included prosthetics, climate and bio-engineering. The students really engaged with the challenges and had a wonderful day with the first and second year engineering students.

FINALLY!A big thank you to all the Science teachers and Science support staff for a wonderful year in science: Mr Baumgart; Mrs Dunn, Ms Peters, Mrs Theobald, Ms Wong, Mr White, Mr Hutchinson, Mr Brasting and Mrs Horwood.

Mr Jamie CartnerHead Teacher Science

Photos on this page showing students exploring science outdoors and in the class room.

Kariong Mountains High School Newsletter - Term 4 - Week 8 - 2019 13

STEAM: Faculty NewsThis year, we implemented a new program centred on the development of future focused learning and the promotion of collaboration through group challenges.

STEAM is composed of Science, Technology, Engineering, The Arts and Mathematics. Each module aims to develop communication, critical thinking, teamwork and research skills.

Students explore, design and enhance their skills, which they are able to apply in other subjects and learning areas.

The Tower ChallengeA highlight of the Tower Challenge module was some very interesting card towers that you can see in some of the photos.

ZoologyAs part of the Zoology course, the students went to Taronga Zoo and participated in a forensics challenge to identify the escaped animal. The students had an amazing day and the discovery centre was incredibly beneficial for our students. Enjoy the attached photos, showing our students working on the challenge and meeting some interesting residents of the zoo.

HorticultureThe Horticulture module was assessed by a garden design project. Students were challenged to select an area of their house and design a garden based on a specific theme. With a ‘budget’ limit of $2000, students researched elements of their garden and populated it with items matching their theme.

This project allowed the students to develop skills in creativity, critical thinking and problem solving, as well as communication. It further accessed skills in mathematics, environmental sciences, and business planning skills.

Below, is an example of a student project. Sequoia chose an area at the side of her house, which recently had a slab of concrete poured and her parents were wondering what to do with it. Her design was well drawn, using a scaled grid with annotations and justifications of the elements to be placed in the garden. A number of students indicated that their parents were keen to make the garden designs a reality.

Ms Simone Dunn and Mr Jamie CartnerSTEAM Teachers

Tower ChallengeZoologySports Science Horticulture Feast, Flavours and Festivals

ForensicsEnterpriseEdible CarsMarineHigh Resolves: Social Justice

Topics studied in Year 7 Topics studied in Year 8 Edible cars made by Year 8 STEAM students.

Students busy learning and creating in the forensics challenge.

Fascinating towers constructed from playing cards.

Photos above from the Taronga Zoo excursion.

Garden design by KMHS student.

Kariong Mountains High School Newsletter - Term 4 - Week 8 - 2019 14

TAS: Faculty NewsWell, what another exciting year in the KMHS TAS faculty 2019 has been. We welcomed Mr Brasting who has joined KMHS from out west and the former pastry chef has bought a wealth of knowledge and experience into the faculty.

Stage 4 - This year saw a new syllabus implemented in Year 7, which brought some exciting new opportunities. A multi-layered approach to sustainability has been the focus throughout this year with students growth in learning, global awareness and skill application.

Stage 5 – is always busy with students expressing their freedom of choice with electives. In Food Technology, IT- Timber and Design and Technology, students were busy throughout the year in the development of lifelong skills: Creating culinary delights whilst studying the importance of nutrition, managing the manufacture of furniture and designing innovations and prototypes to assist living are just a highlight.

Stage 6 – Vocational study, academic pursuits, major project development and realisation. A lot happens in Stage 6 TAS. Our students have achieved some outstanding results; like our medal winners at the Somersby region of the Country Women’s Association baking competition (Year 11: Alara, Maddison, Jessie and Katie) with Jasmine in Year 12 progressing all the way to the State finals this year.

In 2019, every student who studied a subject within the TAS faculty had the opportunity for the development of both physical and cognitive growth for lifelong learning. It is through the expertise, passion and commitment of Ms Johnstone, Mr Brasting, Mr Hirst and Mr Klempert that this is possible. Congratulations, mums, dads, caregivers and students on a fantastic 2019.

Thank you,

Mr Scott BathHead Teacher TAS

Photos showing KMHS students engaged in TAS learning: food technology, textiles, timber and technology.

Kariong Mountains High School Newsletter - Term 4 - Week 8 - 2019 15

2019 has been a fun, insightful and busy year for the Wellbeing team.

We have seen many great achievements from our students and have watched them grow in leaps and bounds.

Mr Hipwell has been working hard to support Years 10 and 11 students to reach the minimum standard tests and what a success this has been! We have seen about 75% pass their minimum standards tests, so far. We will continue to support students to attain minimum standards in 2020.

We have seen the Year 12 students sit their HSC exams and Mrs Doyle worked tirelessly to ensure that students who needed extra support were given the best opportunity to succeed.

Mr Treece and Mrs Pallas have worked with our teachers and classes to explore a trauma informed approach to understanding how students can learn most effectively. This involves helping students to first identify their own triggers for stress or worry, and then empowering them with specific self-help strategies. We have seen many students able to use these strategies in a range of school settings. Meanwhile, support systems across the school continue to be developed for students who require extra help from trained teachers.

We have had some fantastic Wellbeing Days, where students of all year groups have engaged with the community to better understand themselves and others.

Our SLSOs Michael, Jo, Emily, Brooke, Emma, Jess, Josh and Brad have been working hard in supporting the students within the classroom to reach their full potential.

Sadly, Josh and Jo will be leaving us this year and they will be missed by the whole school community.

Mr Klempert has joined the ranks of Year Advisors and has been working closely with our incoming Year 6 students to ensure a smooth transition into high school and we have had the delight of meeting the students and hearing all about their strengths before they come to us next year!

We are looking forward to 2020 to see what the students of KMHS will achieve.

Student Comments:

“If I need help with my assessments or work I go to Student Services. When I am there I always feel sup-ported and have a good laugh.” – Ellie, Year 12

“The SLSOs are awesome and are always willing to support me at school. They make school fun and interesting.” – Riley, Year 9

“When I am feeling upset I always know I can go to Student Services and get support. They give me good strategies and are always willing to listen.” – Alesha Year 9

Teacher Comments:

It was nice seeing the students support and help each other out during some difficult times this year. Leanne School Counsellor

Working in Student Services I get the chance to meet a wide range of students who access our services for various needs. Our fantastic school staff are always ready to listen to the students and help them in a holistic manner. – James Treece

WELLBEING at KMHS

Kariong Mountains High School Newsletter - Term 4 - Week 8 - 2019 16

KMHS Library HIGHLIGHTS

‘The library is an inviting space for everyone at any time they need: free periods, break, research and class time.’ Amy

‘Going to the library at break times brings me a sense of calm and comfort. Reading books helps me escape reality for a while and gives me a sense of belonging.’ Myah

‘The library offers a quiet space for studying and reading and at break times I come here to play a strategic game called Yu-Gi-Oh.’ Xavier

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This year’s Book Week 2019 student vs teacher quiz was once again extremely entertaining and a great success, with teachers overall winners by the narrowest of margins.

Break time fun! Mr White checking on the completion of a puzzle .

Students pit their secret powers to decode the cryptic clues left by teachers in the ‘Match the Teacher to the Book’ competition, which is part of the 2019 Book Week ‘Reading is your secret power’ celebrations at KMHS.

Bookface Friday has been challenging and entertaining. Go to kmhslibrary on Instagram and have a look at our creative posts ... and check out new books in the library.

I love the library’s graphic novels that have unique and interesting storylines. It is good that we can help select new books to add to the collection.’ Sarah

Kariong Mountains High School Newsletter - Term 4 - Week 8 - 2019 17

N O T I C E S NOTE: COMMUNITY NOTICES ON OUR WEBSITE INCLUDES ASSOCIATED LINKS AND SUPPORTING PDF MATERIAL FOR CURRENT NOTICES.

KariongShop 7, 4-8 Mitchell Drive, Kariong

kariong@wiseberry.com.au

Wiseberry Kariong will donate $250 for every house

Listed & Sold between Dec ‘19 - Feb ‘20

to ‘Buy a Bale’ for drought affected families.

(02) 4326 0500

HELP US,

HELP OUT