Issue 3 May 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Term 2 has started smoothly and students are very settled and well rested. This is the term for taking stock and assessing where students are at academically. Our Year 7 and 9s have just finished their NAPLAN testing and I commend them on their efforts in trying their very best. Thank you to Phil Henderson for his careful and thorough preparation for this event. Exams for our Year 8 to 12s will begin later in the term and these will be opportunities for students to consolidate their learning.

We finished last term with some poignant events; farewelling Kathy Ritchie, who has been principal at Kalamunda for the last 18 years and holding our ANZAC Assembly, a time to pause, reflect and remember those who have fought for our country. The last day of term also held our annual School Cross Country and I congratulate all those who participated in this event.

Following Interim reporting last term, we held our Parent Teacher meetings recently. Hopefully you have had the opportunity to speak with teachers and be informed of your child’s progress. Exams are coming up shortly for Years 8 to 12 and will be further information on how your child is tracking. I wish students all the best as they prepare for these assessments.

Over the past few months, the Year 8 students have been participating in the Bibbulmun Challenge. This challenge is part of the school tradition and involves students taking the winding track back to school. The twists and turns, the ups and downs reflect the journey through school and students are encouraged to build their resilience as they walk. Students this year were also set the challenge of capturing our school values in images over the journey and will be sharing them with the school community later in the year. Thank you to Mark Pettit, Desi, Teagen Smith and all the staff, parents and students who participated in the challenge this year.

What a wonderful turn out we had for our Mother’s Day breakfast this year. It was a lovely opportunity to celebrate the support and nurturing that we received from that special someone in our lives and thank you to Jenny Edmonds for her initiative and work in bringing this together for us each year.

Contributions and Charges

Thank you to all those families who have paid their contributions and charges. Many are using payment plans and this has really helped the school be able to plan for the year, so that all students can have the class resources they need. If you haven’t already paid or set up a payment plan, please contact the school to do so. Remember that your voluntary contributions support our wonderful school chaplain and P&C who keep our school canteen afloat. We really appreciate your support of these services.

Quiz Night

This event is another Kalamunda tradition, now in its 17th year. Our amazing school staff run the evening and money raised from the night goes to improving the school grounds.

This year it will be held on the 23 June and I encourage you to make up a table of 8 and join in the fun. We are also calling for families and local business to donate money and/or prizes that we can sell, raffle and award on the night.

Welcome to our Kalamunda family

We welcome back David Brady, Denise Hewitt and Zoe Wittber who have returned from leave this term. We also extend a warm welcome to Angel Espinoza Sanchex, Jaxon Keogh, Eli Marchesano and Cas Stuckenberg who have joined our school this term. We hope you have an enjoyable and successful time at our school.

Mrs Helen Deacon
Associate Principal

Senior School Report

The Senior School students have settled into Term 2 quite well. The welcome arrival of the Leavers Jackets at the beginning of term has seen them become a permanent uniform staple for the Year 12s, ensuring they are easily identified as the class of 2017. I am impressed by the focus and attitude of the students, as they prepare for the fast approaching exam and work placement period, in Weeks 6 and 7. From last year, all students enrolled in a Year 12 General course are required to complete the Externally Set Tasks (ESTs) developed by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA). These were completed during class time.

I am anticipating a busy time over the last part of this term and next term, with Year 12s in their final year, Year11s adjusting to Senior School procedures and Year 10s making career choices for their future.

For the Year 11 and 12 students sitting exams, it is important to remember being prepared is a key component. Have everything you need available and remain focused. I would also like to remind all Year 11 and 12 students that Semester 1 is fast drawing to an end; attendance and completion of assessments will help to ensure good results. It is vital for all Senior School students to ensure that all work is handed in on time, and that they are putting in the required effort and study time needed to succeed.

All Year 12 students are required to complete the online collection of student declaration and permission details for the Authority. The Authority’s purpose is to ensure all Year 12 students are aware of the requirements to achieve the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) and for sitting ATAR course examinations. Permission is also required for the release of certain personal information and the use of their written and practical examination responses and school assessments in resources produced by the Authority. For any additional information the Year 12 Information Handbook which is available on the Authority website at:

Can I also remind all Year 11 and 12 students along with parents, that Connect is a vital part of the school communication and a lot of information is available on Connect so please make you time to check any updates or reminders? Please contact me if you have any concerns on 9293 6400.

Mrs Sharon Andrews
Head of Senior School

Middle School Report

Bibbulmun Challenge

We have now wound up our Bibbulmun Challenge for another year. We have had a number of staff make their first journey and seem to have come through better than myself. I want to congratulate all of the students, staff and parents who made the journey this year. It is without doubt a wonderful initiative and I know I refer students to it as they move through Middle School, reminding them about how they felt on that day and how they overcame any problems. I especially want to thank our school Chaplain Desi and also our amazing Year 8 Coordinator Ms Smith. Their efforts meant this year we were able to try something new. All the classes were given cameras and asked to take photos reflecting our 5 School Values. Very soon they will be working in their mentors on various presentations that we will be able to showcase.

NAPLAN

This week the Year 7s and 9s sat their NAPLAN tests. This is quite a significant event for all but especially for this group of Year 9s. There are the obvious flow on effects in regards to their achievement and how that can impact their senior schooling but also, this is the first group of Year 9s who also sat NAPLAN here as year 7s so we eagerly await the results. I would just like to congratulate the overwhelming majority of students for their cooperation this week. With moving rooms and different bell times the students had an interrupted week and so there patience across the whole school has been appreciated. Well done to Mr Henderson for tying it all together as well.

Cybersafety

Last year I shared a section from the Cybersmart website about trolling. The Office of eSafety has now updated their website and I would urge all parents to get on there and have a look through it. There is a really useful section for Parents and includes topics like:

• 7 ways parents can manage devices in the home
• 7 ways to manage web-connected devices in the home
• 8 ways to manage screentime
• 8 tips to keep on top of your child's screen time
• Man in yellow jacket
• CyberReport offensive or illegal content
• eSafety Health Check
• How to report cyberbullying
• How to report cyberbullying material
• Infographic - Is there an age limite for kids on socila media?
• Is there an age limit for kids on social media?
• Keeping an eye on screentime
• Kids online
• Parenting online
• Parents guide to online safety
• Should my child be on social media?

There is also a section for adolescents. They can get on and report any online bullying or any concerns that they may have about anything to do with the internet. The webpage address is:

Uniform

As we approach the winter months we still need to focus on our uniform. Jackets are available at Lowes in Carousel. We realise that it does get cold but our uniform can cater for the colder months. Hoodies (even worn under the school shirt) are not permitted. If you have any questions about the uniform then please see the school website.

Mr Mark Pettit
Head of Middle School

Year 10 Coordinator’s Report

Hello and welcome to Term 2. This is a really important term for the Year 10s because this is when the pressure builds up in terms of the Year 10s staring to make some decision regarding their futures.

Whilst we are not expecting the students to have concrete plans on what they want to do when they leave school- it is now the time that future career plans and pathways are considered.

This week we visited the Careers Expo which was held at the Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre. The students were given a great motivation speech which highlighted that it is time to start growing up and maturing. The students then had the chance to visit exhibits from various tertiary institutions, TAFE’s and business organisations. I was so impressed with the interest that the students showed.

We will be talking to the students about courses on offer in Year 11 and 12 during extended Mentor periods and hopefully this will make the upcoming subject selection process a little bit easier.

Exams are approaching in Week 6 and this is important because of the prerequisites that are required to do ATAR subjects in Years 11 and 12. It is always an advantage to have as many opportunities available- so even if ATAR is not where your child thinks they may be heading it is still really important to perform to the best of their ability.

As always- please don’t hesitate to contact me with any issues- email is always the best option and my email address is Emma.Cannell@education.wa.edu.au

Ms Emma Dunstan
Year 10 Coordinator

Year 9 Coordinator’s Report

Welcome back to school for Term 2! Last term ended well with a number of students being recognised and rewarded for great behaviour and attitude at school. Mentor Teachers have been keeping an eye on their students and nominating them for ‘Sijka’s Squad’. We focused on our school value, Respect, for Term 1. Each Mentor Teacher was able to select three students who had been demonstrating respect and they were rewarded with a morning tea with me – delicious chocolate croissants and a warm drink. I have listed these students below – fantastic effort guys and keep up the great work.

Kala Credits

TERM 1 WINNING FACTION - DRACO

The students in Year 9 from Draco were rewarded with a pizza lunch from Matteo’s Kalamunda – they also needed to have their Good Standing to attend.

Each Kala Credit represents 1 House Point, which will be collated at the end of each term – the House earning the most points receives a reward.

Year 9 Assembly

Our Year 9 Councillors and House Captains are now running our Year 9 Assemblies. Year 9 students will continue to be rewarded for their positive efforts with Kala Credits from their teachers. This may be for good behaviour, effort, correct uniform, attendance, or other positive contributions their schooling. The students were drawn and rewarded for their great efforts in our Kala Credit Raffle last term are listed below. Awesome effort!

TERM 1 KALA CREDIT RAFFLE DRAW WINNERS

Term 2 Events

KSHS Good Standing

Please check your child’s Student Planner for information about maintaining Student Good Standing to ensure that your child will be included in the reward at the end of this term. I would to encourage a particular focus on wearing appropriate school uniform this term – no hoodies please.

Year 9 Leadership Award

We would like to recognise and encourage the leadership qualities of our Year 9s – The leaders of our Middle School.

Our school community have been nominating Year 9 Students who are demonstrating the characteristics, initiative and behaviour of great leaders and role models in our Year 9 cohort.

At each Middle School Assembly, nominations will be reviewed and worthy recipients will be acknowledged, with a particular focus on the School Values of Respect, Pride, Resilience, Community and Love of Learning. In recognition of these admirable attributes, each student will be awarded with a Year 9 Leadership Award Pin and Certificate.

Thank you for your support and please don’t hesitate to contact me, your child’s Mentor Teacher or Learning Area Teacher if you have any questions.

Mrs Nicole Sijka
Year 9 Coordinator

Year 8 Coordinator’s Report

Welcome back to Term 2 and it is pleasing to see how well the Year 8s have returned to school. This term will see the completion of the Bibbulmun Challenges, students participating in their first exams in High School and Semester 1 reports.

With Interim Reports and one round of Parent/Teacher interviews out of the way, it is a great opportunity for students to reflect on Term 1. Students are encouraged to reset and revise their goals ahead of Semester 1 reports. Week 7 will see Year 8s sit their first exams in Mathematics, English, Science and Humanities and Social Sciences. We often find students become overwhelmed during the week of exams and it is important we work together to ensure they are well prepared. By making sure all tasks are completed by their due dates and having a well-balanced study timetable will help your child to stay focused to guarantee their best performance. The Student Planner is the optimum tool to help keep your child organised.

The beginning of Term 2 saw the final of the Bibbulmun Challenges being completed . This was a great opportunity for students to reflect upon past and future experiences their schooling life has to offer. This year saw a change from previous years where students were provided with a digital camera. They were set with the task to capture images that showcased each of the school values. A task students thoroughly enjoyed and enabled them to build upon their knowledge of the values. The track itself provided many challenges which the students handled with enthusiasm and determination. It was a pleasure to participate along-side many students who powered through to complete the 12km walk. A massive thank you goes to Mr Pettit for your organisation and commitment to such a valued school experience.

As winter approaches I am seeing an increasing amount of students not wearing school uniform. I would like to remind parents and students that non-school jumpers and track pants are not to be worn to school. If your child breaches the school uniform policy they will be expected to attend a lunchtime detention as well as lose their Good Standing making them ineligible to attend the rewards excursion at the end of the term.

At the beginning of the term we held our Year 8 reward assembly. The following students were recognised for their efforts by accumulating numerous Kala Credits.

I would like to congratulate all Year 8s on the high quality of work being produced and their determination to try their best. As always there is room for improvement. I encourage all parents to keep up to date their child’s achievements on assessment tasks, increase discussions surrounding letters of concerns or teacher communication and ensure your child is doing something as little as following a teacher’s instruction.

Mrs Teagen Smith
Year 8 Coordinator

Student Service’s Report

BRITTANY IS OUR CAMP HERO!

The zero2hero Camp Hero program unleashes the heroes of today to become the leaders of tomorrow by educating, equipping and empowering young people to promote good mental health in their communities.

Our very own Year 12 Deputy Head Girl Brittany Isaia became one of those heroes!!

This is the reason why Brittany decided to apply to become a hero.

“I think mental health needs to be taken more seriously; in some situations it’s a case of life or death. It’s our responsibility as the new generations to learn those skills and to break down the stigma – to see that mental health is just as important as physical health. Camp taught me to value everyone that’s entered my life and to never let anyone in my life go unacknowledged. You never know what their story is or when they might leave your life”.

This is what Brittany had to say about her experience with Camp Hero

“Before Camp hero, I relied on the use of humour and over-exaggerated energy to build relationships with others. This camp and the incredible people I have met have allowed me to be vulnerable and let down the mask and facade I have always held . In doing so, I have also learnt to recognise the masks of others and help them let them down and know that they can be loved and accepted for the person behind.

The next Camp hero will be 10-14 July and is open to 40 young leaders keen become our next mental health leaders and ambassadors. The cost of this program is $400 (this is a subsidised rate).

If you would like to register your interest here is the link.

Their next FREE camp will be in October; however competition for this program is extremely strong.

Year 7 Student Council Elections

After a term of getting to know one another the Year 7 Student Council elections took place under the guidance of Mr Roper.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who applied for a Student Council position in Year 7 and would like to congratulate the following students on their successful election to the Year 7 Student Council.

These students will now attend weekly meetings with the rest of the Student Council leadership team and will be attending a Middle school Leadership day on 26 May.

Mrs Amanda Morton
Student Services Manager

Connect

Mother’s Day Breakfast

On Friday 14 May over 40 students brought their mums, aunts, grandmothers into school to help celebrate Mother’s Day. The school appreciates having the opportunity to provide our students with the chance to let their mothers know how much they mean and help them connect with each other.

The student leadership team were definitely kept busy cooking, preparing and serving bacon and egg muffins, croissants, fruit, tea and coffee.

We were lucky to be entertained and informed by Amanda Lambrose as a guest speaker and our talented music student Rachael Williams provided wonderful music. Bianca, one of Kalamunda’s Year 11 students, gave a heartfelt speech to her mother, which had many mums nearly in tears.

Overall, the morning was a great way to share this special occasion and help our students let their mothers, grandmothers, aunties and carers know the important role they play in their lives.

I would like to thank those students and staff involved in making the morning a success.

Mrs Jenny Edmonds
School Psychologist

Swimming Carnivals 2017

House Swimming Carnival

The 2017 House Swimming Carnival was on Friday 3 March. The overall competition was won by Phoenix for the third consecutive year, followed by Orion and Draco in a closely fought battle for 2nd and 3rd place. Pegasus made up for their 4th place finish by taking out the top spot in the Novelty Shield events.

Congratulations to all students who competed in the house and novelty events and thank you to all those who helped make the day a success. This really demonstrated our school values of Community and Pride, with so many students, staff and parents being involved in the day.

2017 House Swimming Carnival Results

Inter-school Swimming Carnival

After a successful House Carnival, students had a week to prepare for the inter-school event. This was held at the HBF stadium, Claremont on 14 March 2017. Last year we had gained a promotion from ‘C’ Division and the Meritorious Shield. As the ‘B’ Division separates the events for Year 11 and Year 12 competitors, with a skeleton team of 6 Year 11 and Year 12 students, we knew staying up in this division would be tough. Those who attended, along with the solid Year 7 to Year 10 teams put out strong early performances and saw us in 5th place overall mid-way through the day. Unfortunately, due to losing out on points in the senior school relay events, we finished the day in 8th position. This will see us back in ‘C’ Division for 2018. All students who attended should be commended on their commitment to the school values of Community, Pride and Resilience shown on the day.

There were several outstanding individual performances with the following students gaining a top three spot in at least one of their events:

Aiden Boots (Year 7), Drew Mann (Year 8), Hayden Schwinkowski (Year 8), Jacob Kleinfeld-Fowell (Year 8), Hannah Lake (Year 9), Freya Jonker (Year 9) and Jade Mann (Year 10). The Year 8 boys also swum an outstanding 4x50m freestyle race coming in a close 2nd with Lachlan Smeulders in addition to those listed above.

We also had several individual champions which is a fantastic achievement when competing against some of the best swimmers in the state:

Aiden Boots - 3rd place overall (Year 7 boy), Drew Mann – 1st place overall (Year 8 boy) and Jade Mann – 1st place overall (Year 10 girl).

Thank you to Mr Stott’s Certificate II Coaching and Physical Recreation students who assisted on the day and congratulations to all swimmers who attended.

Mrs Deanne Goldstone
Physical Education Teacher

Interhouse Cross Country Results

The Interhouse Cross Country was held at Jorgensen on the final day of Term 1. It was another year of fantastic results and efforts from all students involved. Over 300 participants took on the challenging 2.5km course which would also be Kathy Ritchie’s final school event as Principal. Dylan Todd (Year 11) crossed the line first with an impressive time of 9 minutes and 31 seconds. Grace Goodlet (Year 9) was the fastest female with a time of 12 minutes and 14 seconds. Our Year 7 students experienced their first Kalamunda SHS Cross Country and were encouraged at the finish line by our fantastic Year 12 helpers. Well done to all participants who represented their respective houses with a sense of pride. The overall winning house was Draco with 137 points followed by Orion in 2nd place with 115 points.

Congratulations to the champions and runners up listed below.

Ms Leanne O’Malley
Physical Education Teacher

Music News

The end of term one provided many music performance opportunities for our budding young musicians. Firstly Miss Vivian’s A cappella choir performed a moving arrangement of Hallelujah for our recently retired principal Kathy Ritchie’s farewell gathering. The students performed brilliantly and certainly set the perfect mood for the occasion. Well done to Miss Vivian for all her hard work with the choir.

The last day of school featured our annual Anzac assembly service and this year both concert bands, strings and choir performed in unison. The assembly was very moving and I would like to thank Miss Vivian and Mr Hind for collaborating and arranging the music for the event.

Musikal met for our first meeting of term two on Monday the 8 May.

The minutes are available on the Kalamunda school website and I would encourage music parents to come along to our meetings and get involved in our musical community. Preparation is currently underway for our first major concert on Tuesday 20 June, which will be held in the Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre. Keep an ear out for tickets as they will be available on a first in first served basis via online booking. Further details will be available in the coming weeks. Please make sure you are on the music mailing list and if not please email Alex Stevens our wonderful Musikal secretary at janda@iinet.net.au

Music camp this year will be in Week 3 Term 3 and notes have already been handed out to students from all performing groups. Please return the $110 and medical forms to the front office by the last day of this term. Feel free to contact the music department with any questions and or concerns.

Lastly, the final day of Term 1 was further celebrated by several outstanding musical performances from our students at the Kalamunda Show. This is the second time our students have performed at the show and we are still the only school from the hills area given this opportunity to perform at the show. The feedback I have recieved from parents, members of the community, stall holders and the Kalamunda show committee have been beyond outstanding. I am so proud of all of the achievements of our very talented music students and watching them all shine is one of the most rewarding experiences. Well done to all involved.

Mr Marcus Roberts
Director of Music

Mathematics Report

Reframing Mathematical Futures

In the Mathematics Learning Area, the Year 7 students have been developing their multiplicative reasoning skills through the use of concrete materials. All students are placed into zones according to their ability level, allowing for maximised differentiation. Students are then divided into groups, organised in-line with Kalamunda Senior High School’s Cooperative Learning Strategy. In addition to using concrete materials, students are heavily scaffolded by their classroom teacher as well as their peers. After completing the required activity, students create a group presentation, outlining what they have learnt before delivering this to the whole class. The Year 7 Team and Mathematics Department want to congratulate the Year 7 cohort on the “Cooperative Learning Skills” they have demonstrated throughout their Reframing Mathematical Futures (RMF) activities.

Mr Rob Roper
Mathematics Teacher

Science Update

In the Science Learning Area, the Year 7 Students have been developing their understanding of Chemistry. Students have been investigating the states of matter by observing and analysing the properties of solids, liquids and gases. Most recently, they have completed the ‘Separation Challenge’. This experiment requires students to use a variety of separation techniques to successfully separate salt, gravel, sand and iron filings. This learning experience engaged the students and gave them the opportunity to apply their understanding of separation techniques in a practical environment. The Year 7 Team and Science Learning Area wish to congratulate the Year 7 cohort for approaching this task with maturity and an inquisitive mind.

Mr Rob Roper
Science Teacher

Bahasa Indonesian

Year 9: Di pasar (At the markets)

Year 9 students studying Indonesian had an opportunity to taste some local fruits found in markets. The objective of this lesson was to allow the students to name some of the fruits and vegetables in Indonesian, to ask specific quantities, to bargain and to ask for the price of something.

The fruits they tasted were not fresh as one would find in an actual market around Indonesia but it was as close they one can get. The market is a ‘must to do’ experience. It is always a wonderful mixture of smells, sounds and sights with great colours. At these markets there is an amazing array of species, fresh chickens, meats and of course, delicious (enak) ready-made hot, spicy and cold snacks.

The students tasted rambutans, longans, jack fruit, young coconut pieces and lychees. It was an interesting sight and expressions when they tried the above fruits!!!

Year 10: Certificate II in Applied Languages (Indonesian)

Part A

The class decided to celebrate ‘Makanan Kecil’ day on 19 March to celebrate Harmony Day. A few students decided to assist me with heating up of the roti.

Below are students cooking whilst others are busy eating and having their hot drinks in class. They had the roti with es krim.

Roti canai (pronunciation tʃanai) or roti cane (pronunciation tʃane) is a type of Indian -influenced flatbread found in Malaysia , Brunei , Indonesia and Singapore . It is often sold in Mamak stalls in Malaysia; also in Malay, Minangkabau and Aceh restaurants in Indonesia. It is known as roti prata in Southern Malaysia and Singapore, and is similar to the Indian Kerala porotta . It is also found throughout Thailand, where it is called ‘Ro Tee' and is typically sold by Muslims, most often from street carts, and is usually Halal. (from Wikipedia)

Part B

Certificate II in Applied Languages is very hands-on course allowing to use the language already learnt in practical situations. The course is divided into 4 units. Each unit has its own elements and performance criteria. The students will use their knowledge and skills for basic verbal communication.

It refers to communication that is predictable, structured and involves common social verbal exchanges such as greetings, introductions, directions and simple instructions. All units cover culturally appropriate expressions, speaking and listening skills.

Below you can see students using their language skills and communicating without any palm cards.

Mrs Kuldeep Kaler
Indonesian Teacher

Certificate II in Tourism (HASS) Incursion

Students in Year 11 and 12 studying Certificate II in Tourism had an incursion 17 March 2017. Students had the opportunity to listen to Gurpreet Sidhu from Cathy International Travel about the everyday workplace requirement within the travel industry. They discussed the day to day work and what is available to the students after completion of this course.

Everyone has a passion for travel and adventure. The course is the first step towards a great career within this industry. This course will teach you to interact with people from all around the world. Tourism is a practical industry with specific skills which will assist you for work within the travel industry. You will also learn about local, national and international travel destinations and how to provide travel and tourism information and advice.

This course can lead you straight into employment or continue into Certificate III in Tourism/International Business qualifications in Tourism. You also gain basic skills you need for employment in the Hospitality industry and benefit from networking and industry events. Skills learnt in this course are transferable to any workplace.

With cheaper carriers available people are able to explore and access, interpret and deliver activities, travel destinations, and products effectively. This course is a nationally recognised certificate that covers skills needed in the tourism industry or related industries.

Mrs Kuldeep Kaler and Mrs Lauren Johnston
Teachers of Tourism

Japanese Update

Host Families Required – Term 3

Japan Trip 2019

We are currently planning a Japan trip to take place in January 2019. The trip will be open to all students studying Japanese. The plan is to spend 2 weeks at Kobe Gakuin school doing a 2 week homestay with a Japanese family, and attending school in Japan. From initial quotes, the trip will cost around $3500 per person. A Parent Information Evening will take place soon. Watch this space!

Visit from Kobe Gakuin in Term 1

On the 13 March in Term 1, we had a day visit from our sister school, Kobe Gakuin. Kobe Gakuin sends 30 students to Perth each year to attend an intensive English school; and as part of their trip they always spend a day at Kalamunda Senior High School. This year the Year 8, Year 9 and Year 10 Japanese classes were able to spend time with the Japanese students.

The students always enjoy this day; and it sets the scene nicely for the 2 week exchange in Term 3. Read the testimonials below; and if you think your child might enjoy the exchange, please think about hosting a student in July!

Student Testimonials

“It is always fun to meet someone new and find out what they like or are interested in, but it’s a little harder when they don’t speak English. I think it makes it better when you have to try harder to communicate, because you ACTUALLY communicate. You are forced to listen intently (which includes looking at them so they know you care about what they are saying) and you are also forced to speak properly (without slang) to make it easier for the other person to understand. But the greatest feeling of all, is when you manage to communicate and you both understand.” – Percy T

“I had a good time with the Japanese exchange students. I found their comedy funny but not funny at the same time. They were very easy-going and good to talk to and make jokes. They were also very kind. Most of them could not speak very good English but they made a good effort. I tried to make them feel very welcome. They actually liked the same stuff I like, which was pretty cool.” – D Hart

My experience with the Japanese exchange students was a learning experience for all of us. I was paired with a girl named “Nanomi”. She was a very polite and funny person. A highlight of the lesson was that I learned some more Japanese and I taught her many Australian movies and words, etc. I had a fun experience talking with the Japanese students, I hope to do it again and I’m looking forward to the trip to Japan and learning more about their culture.” – Synnamon W

“The Japanese kids came and we didn’t have to speak Japanese because they were really good at English. My partners name was Iate, he was good at English. They were all good at English and I enjoyed the Bingo game we played together.” – Lochie D

“The experience was great. I learnt about some Japanese culture and practices. My partner (Toi) helped me to learn more describing words and words about seasons. I feel after hearing fluent Japanese I will be able to speak it better. It was also cool to meet someone from another country.” – Dean G

“I loved meeting the Japanese exchange students because I think it is so refreshing talking to someone that speaks in a different language, but they also understood a bit of English, which is good. It’s also fun to see how they interact with one another. Explaining things to them was hard at times but it was fun to use a bit of Japanese so they could better understand.” – Ashley P

“We didn’t really have to speak Japanese because the exchange students had already mastered English. I met an exchange student by the name of Yuya . His name is also the main characters name in my favourite anime. I asked how many siblings he had in Japanese and he answered “San” which is “3”. I also learned that he knows karate. I got 6 of the students’ Instagram names and learnt some new things.” – Shane S

“My experience with the Japanese class was amazing. It was great, better than last year because I knew how to act and speak more Japanese. At first, it was very awkward, because I haven’t met any of them before. After a minute, I made friends with Sae, a 17 year old girl. We got along well, and I enjoyed talking to her even though there were some language boundaries.” – Sophia

Students Make Bento in Class

This year, we have Japanese classes in Year 7, 8, 9 and 10. As part of our Japanese program, we do both language and culture components. Last term, the Year 9 class studied ‘obento’ and designed their own ‘obento’ to make in class.

The students realised quickly that ‘obento’ are harder to make than they look, but definitely impressed me with their skills. Here are some photos of their creations:

Mrs Tori Maguire
Japanese Teacher

Italian Opera Night Extravaganza

On the 1 April, the Year 10 Italian students were given the incredible opportunity to partake in a unique cultural experience at His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth. Fifteen students and their parents became immersed in Giacomo Puccini’s renowned opera, ‘La Tosca’. This opera took us all on the journey of a tragic love story that had a tumultuous ending. The performers were dressed in their dramatic, early nineteenth century costumes and Floria Tosca looked flawless with her breathtakingly beautiful red dress, coat and detailed hairstyle.

The score of Tosca (if not the drama) itself is considered a prime example of the style of verismo, an elusive term usually translated as “realism.” The typical musical features of the verismo tradition are prominent in Tosca. The Western Australian Symphony Orchestra created a dramatic and profound atmosphere.

The Italian students had been given a glimpse into the significance of Opera in Italian society, Italian history and politics and the marvellous contributions of Puccini. His operas are celebrated for their mastery of detail, sensitivity to everyday subjects, copious melody, and economy of expression. As a class, we had gained an intercultural awareness and experienced this occasion in our own city.

We were fortunate to also have a VIP experience before the show. We were escorted into an elevator to go to the very top of His Majesty’s Theatre. This is where we experienced the Puccini Room. The room was elegant, stylish and charming with the unique artworks, pendulous chandeliers, velvet curtains and a large wooden table inviting us to indulge in sweets, chocolates and beverages. Tereza Letizia, the opera coordinator of the event, gave us a brief synopsis about what to expect. We could also hear the performers in the next room rehearsing. It was mesmerizing!

Following the completion of the Opera, we were invited backstage, where we met some of the crew and were given a tour of the stage, props and dressing rooms. It was incredible to stand on the very stage of La Tosca and peer out to the pretend audience! Student and parents then exited the back door, which all the performers use. This event expanded our knowledge of and opened our eyes to just one of the many beautiful aspects of Italian culture.

Signora Pennington would like to say thank you to all the parents of the Year 10 students, Mr and Mrs Deacon and Mr and Mrs Ritchie for participating in this Italian excursion which was on a Saturday night. You all made the night extra special! Grazie tantissimo!

Olivia Trimboli (Year 10 Cert II Italian)

Year 7 Incursion: Nikki D’Agostino ~ Little Miss Squeeze Box

On 4 May, the amazing piano accordionist, Nikki D’agostino visited the Year 7 Italian students at the Performing Arts Centre. She hypnotised us with her Italian heritage, music and talent. Nikki performed a variety of traditional, modern and multicultural songs including ‘That’s Amore’, ‘On the Floor’ by Pitbull and traditional French and Italian songs. She also informed us that the piano accordion is making a big comeback in modern day music.

Nikki taught some selected students a traditional Italian dance called the Tarantella. Named after the tarantula, this dance was used to eject spider venom from the body when someone was bitten by a spider. It is more recently performed at weddings, carnivals and other celebrations.

Nikki also allowed some students to play her piano accordion, which cost over $5000 dollars. She told us that the piano accordion that we saw before us had been in many concerts featuring well known artists such as with Stevie Wonder and John Legend. Nikki was also invited to the house of famous Opera singer, Andrea Boccelli, to perform.

Nikki was amazing, and all of the students who were lucky enough to watch her all agree that this once in a life time experience was well worth it!

Written by: Ella Kriss and Maya Leano (Year 7 students)

UWA Languages Seminar

On the 9 May, all the Year 10 Italian, Indonesian and Japanese students and Language teachers, Mrs Pennington, Mrs Kaler and Mrs Maguire participated in a ‘Languages for the Future’ seminar held at UWA in the Alexander Lecture Theatre. Students from Morley SHS, Iona College, Christchurch Grammar, Canning Vale College and Willeton SHS were also the other schools which attended this event. It was a meaningful and insightful opportunity for our Language students at Kalamunda SHS because we are a school that values cultural diversity, languages and the life-long skills that students attain from learning a second language. Eros Scagnetti, a UWA Honours student, discussed the benefits of a second language and gave students a glimpse into what life will be like if they continue on with their second language studies.

Our students were introduced to four panel members. Each panel member was a UWA student or graduate who had learnt a second language throughout high school then continued it in conjunction with their degrees; Engineering and Italian, Linguistics, French and Spanish, Arts and Commerce, and Asian Studies and Chinese Business, just to name a few. The panel members explained why they had chosen to continue on with Italian, Indonesian or Japanese and also how it has assisted them with their careers. Below are just a few of the reasons and future benefits that were mentioned:

• more exposure to culture
• resume’s appear professional and current with a second language and knowledge of another culture
• life skills are gained and applied in the work force
• friendships developed all over the world
• resilience built
• a person becomes more adaptable when entering the workplace
• efficient time and event management
• cultural adaptability
• able to de construct work place and personal situations
• you have a better understanding about how people work
• problem solving skills developed a sense of independence.

Professor Alexandra Ludewig, Head of Humanities at UWA expressed this important message of life to our students. She mentioned that they must invest in life long skills and that a second language never becomes out dated. Professor Alexandra also encouraged students to express themselves with sophistication and to look at the world from other perspectives. The main message to our students was this: “Learn something, a second language, that is for life. It will never become out dated.”

The final part of this seminar was conducted by Professor John Kinder who has lectured Italian at UWA for over 20 years. Professor Kinder explained how there are 195 countries in the world and over 6100 languages spoken all over the world. He mentioned that English is just not enough in this rapidly changing, globalised world. Professor Kinder explained how a second language can prepare our students for employment and the formation of life. Communication skills, research skills, and cultural awareness are the paramount skills acquired by a person with more than one language. He concluded by stating that “Monolingualism is curable!”

Kalamunda SHS Language students also learnt about the core language units and cultural electives offered at UWA. These included Literature, Linguistic and Cultural studies. Other languages at UWA included French, German, Spanish, Latin, Ancient Greek, Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian and Korean. Overall, it was a fantastic and noteworthy opportunity for our students to listen to people who have been inspired and impacted by learning a second language.

Mrs Maria Pennington
Teacher in Charge of Languages

Literacy Corner

Learning Support – Verb Tenses by LOTE

“The past, the present and the future walked into a bar. It was tense.”

Verbs (doing or action words) in English come in three tenses – past, present and future, and these tell us when the action takes place. “Present tense” tells us what is happening right now, “past tense” are things that have already happened, and “future tense” is when things will happen.

Each tense is further divided. The present tense has ‘Simple Present’, ‘Present Perfect’ and ‘Continuous Present’.

The Past Tenses include ‘Simple Past’, ‘Past Perfect’, ‘Past Continuous’, and ‘Past Perfect Continuous’.

The Future Tenses include ‘Simple Future’, ‘Future Perfect’, ‘Future Continuous’ and ‘Future Perfect Continuous’.

Here is a table showing how each of these translate into our language

Taken from: https://www.grammarly.com/blog/verb-tenses/

Verb tenses are not the same in every language. In Japanese, present and future tense are the same; this makes ‘tense’ in Japanese a little easier than in English. Indonesian has 3 tenses, but the way the words are changed to mark the tense is done by adding prefixes (letters at the start of the word). Italian, however, has tenses that are also impacted by ‘moods’, which change the way the tenses are expressed. These include conditional, subjunctive, past remote, historical conditional past imperfect (expressing a recurrent event in the past like remembering or reflecting on events), past subjunctive, present subjunctive, imperfect subjunctive, pluperfect indicative (action in the past prior to another action in the past)….. Mamma mia!

Relationships Australia

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