We are nearly half way through the term and continue as best we can to navigate these COVID times.

COVID update

As restrictions have eased earlier this term, we have seen an increase in cases not only in the community but also at the school.  The number of students who have caught COVID is increasing with over 60% of students now having contracted the disease since the start of the year.  Positive cases are also being experienced by our staff and strategies have been put in place to supplement the relief teaching staff.  Administration staff have been deployed to cover class, in some cases small classes have been combined with other classes and the school has utilised the central office relief staff pools.

While mask mandates have been lifted, we still have restrictions on household close contacts.  Fortunately, students who do not have any symptoms are still able to come to school provided they wear a mask at all times and return a negative RAT test each day.   Thank you to our front office staff who monitor the students returning to school as close contacts.  Students check in at the front office each morning, and are provided with a pass to leave class 5 mins before recess and lunch to be able to remove their mask to eat their food.  Thank you to all our parents for your support in continuing to report positive cases to the school, and for your efforts to keep our community safe.

Free RAT distribution

Recently we received a delivery of 20 RATs per student.  Such a large delivery (24 000 RATs) came on a delivery pallet and it was a logistical exercise to deliver these to classes.  We were very fortunate to utilise the services of students from the Kalamunda Secondary Education Support Centre who enthusiastically counted, packaged, delivered, checked and recorded the distribution of RATs to our students.

 ANZAC Day

With restrictions still in place this year, we modified our ANZAC Day Ceremony scheduled for Week 10 last term.  This was paired back to the special guests, students involved in the ceremony and our choir, band and orchestra students.  A special thanks goes to our new media teacher Craig Roberts and students who were involved in filming and editing a special video presentation.  The whole school watched this on the Friday of Week 1 this term.

KPA Semester 1 Showcase

It was great to be able to hold our KPA Sem 1 showcase without restrictions during the last week of Term 1.  Congratulations to our staff and students for their efforts in bringing this to fruition despite the complexities navigating absences.

Career Breakfast

This year we have a new Career Practioner position as part of a government initiative.  Amanda Moreno Diaz has joined our school in this role and has been very active in building opportunities for students in exploring pathways and careers.  Recently a Career Breakfast was held in the cafeteria.  Representatives from a wide range of careers participated including in industry, employment, services, forces and tertiary and further training.  Due to COVID restrictions, this event was held over two consecutive weeks.  A huge thank you to Amanda and all those who assisted her in making this such a huge success.

Pulse Perspectives

Once again we are delighted that our school has been represented in this prestigious exhibition of Year 12 work from graduating students.  I encourage you to take the time to visit the Year 12 Pulse exhibition in the Art Gallery of WA celebrating WA’s young artists (you can also do this virtually).  On display is 2021 Year 12 – Sophie Catchpole’s piece “Bare Necessities” and is open to the public until 24 July.  2020 leaver Sarah Hoey is also featured in the 30-year overview.  2019 leaver Charlotte Eden (Dux ATAR Visual Art) spoke at the opening in her capacity as a member of the AGWA Youth Advisory Panel and shared her art journey – giving credit to her parents (Claire and John Eden) for her passion in art!  

Year 11 ATAR Outdoor Education – expedition

Despite the challenges that COVID are presenting, we are still managing to continue curriculum activites.  Our Year 11 ATAR Outdoor Education students recently participated in their expedition along the Munda Biddi trail.

Year 8 – Bibbulmun Challenge

Each year our Year 8 students participate in a Bibbulmun Challenge with their mentor groups.  This challenge is designed to build bonds and help students reflect on their journey through high school.  It is often listed as a highlight for our Year 12s as they reflect back on their time at Kalamunda.  We are fortunate to have been able to hold most of these so far, and catch up opportunities will be available later in the year as the weather turns.