I hope everyone is having a good start to Term 2.

P&C community fundraising events

Thank you to our P&C for all their efforts in hosting a Movie Night at the end of last term and hosting a book stall at the Kalamunda Show. We really appreciate all the support we receive from our parents in supporting our school community.

Kalamunda Show

Congratulations to all our music students who performed in the Kalamunda Show over the school holidays. We are really proud of the quality of these performances and special thanks to Marcus Roberts for coordinating their involvement.

ANZAC assembly

We held our ANZAC assembly on Thursday 18 February in our first week back this term.  Thank you to all our staff and students for their efforts in holding this assembly and their flexibility in negotiating an alternative time due to the Stop Work Action in Week 2. This event is always moving and the music of a very high calibre.  This year this included an acapella arrangement by Michelle Vivian of Brothers in Arms (Dire Straits) along with pieces by the String Ensemble under the direction of Tashana Tweddle and the Choir conducted by Bronwynn Sprogowski.

Go Live - Kaartdijin

We started Week 3 'going live' with our transition to Compass for our attendance and behaviour records as part of the new Kaartdijin program. As a pilot school, we have assisted in providing feedback to the department on this rollout and on Thursday 2 May, the Director General, Lisa Rodgers visited the school to hear first-hand of our experiences in this transition.

We look forward to continuing to deploy further features in subsequent phases of this rollout.

Congratulations

Lester Prize

Last news review we congratulated Rachel Bradfield and Lara Savage on being selected for the prestigious Lester Prize exhibition, which features 30 students from across Australia. In further news, Kalamunda SHS won the school prize in recognition of our quality art program in the school. The prize is an art workshop for the school.

Darcy Jones

Congratulations also to former student Darcy Jones who kicked 2 goals in his debut for Greater Western Sydney recently.

2024 Pulse Exhibition

Congratulations to Jaime Green (Year 12 2023) who was successful in being selected for this prestigious exhibition.

The artwork will be on display until 6 October at the Art Gallery of WA. You can also view the exhibition online and complete the people’s choice award until 1 September after which the winner will be announced.

Arts program

The arts staff have recently held their Dance and KPA showcase events at the KPAC. The KPA staff are now preparing for the upcoming musical this year 'The Lion King Jr'.

Dance students recently attended His Majesty’s Theatre to see the West Australian Ballet present La Bayadere the Temple Dancer. 

Year 8 Bibbulmun Challenge

Our Year 8 students have been taking the challenge of walking the Bibbulmum Track.  This is a wonderful way to build teamwork, resilience and to reflect on the journey through high school. It is also a great opportunity to learn in the outdoor setting. Congratulations to all our Year 8 students for taking the Challenge and thank you to our staff for coordinating and supporting the students.

Upcoming exams

Our Year 11 and 12s will be undertaking formal exam assessments in Weeks 6 and 7. Students in Years 11 and 12 who are not participating in exams, will have the opportunity to undertake a Workplace Learning program, and those who are not up to date with their studies will attend the Study Hub at school. Year 10s will undertake exam assessments in Week 8.

Building update

The building program is continuing along well - we have the roof beginning on the Visual Arts block and the first-floor concrete pour on the Teaching block. These are some progress shots of the building since our last issue of the news review.

Road and carpark safety

Just an ongoing reminder that the main carpark on Canning Rd is not to be used for student drop off or pickups. Please use Cotherstone Rd, Central Rd or the Kalamunda Sporting Complex for safer drop off and pick up locations.

WA Student Assistance payment

Information about this payment of $250 per secondary student has been sent directly to all parents listed on our school information system.  Parents and carers will need to claim this payment, they will not automatically receive it.  Claims can be submitted through ServiceWA from Monday 15 April and must be received by Friday 28 June 2024.  Further information can be found online.

Parents and carers can call this helpline 1800 882 345 for support between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

To make this claim, you will need to know your child’s WA Student Number (WASN).  This can be found on the top of your child’s previous report or NAPLAN results.

Contributions and Charges – optional items

I would like to thank those families who have already paid their school charges and contributions, or who are doing so on a payment plan. In addition, I encourage you to make contributions to the optional items which include the P&C and Chaplain. A key focus of the P&C is the running of the school canteen and is a way that you can provide your support without volunteering.

Helen Deacon
Principal