Japanese exchange students who are currently visiting KHS from Tokyo

We have seen a strong start to Term 3 for our students, now in their fourth week of Semester 2 subjects and learning. 

Firstly congratulations to all students who were recognised for their high achievement and effort through Term 2 reports. I’m pleased to share:

• 96 individual students received awards for excellent academic efforts over Term 2.
• This number is a small increase in overall points on Term 1.
• Significantly more students achieving effort awards for ‘all subjects’ as opposed to ‘most subjects’.

Our School Improvement Plan identifies a target of 42% A and B grades for Year 7 to 10 students.

So far we are tracking well with:

• 44.4% Year 7 – above goal
• 36.1% Year 8 – a little below goal
• 44.5% Year 9 – above goal
• 36.2% Year 10 – a little below goal

Our Senior School students are also on-track to success with approximately 50% of grades sitting within the A and B grade bands. 

Well done to all students on your efforts – let’s keep up the efforts and lift this higher over Terms 3 and 4.

Students who received effort awards for their term 2 reports were presented with them at assembly on the last day of term.

Curriculum Focus

Over the first half of 2023 we reviewed our Curriculum offerings and programs for Semester 2 and also 2024. There are a number of exciting learning initiatives underway over Semester 2 including:

• Health and Wellbeing programs and initiatives including Youth Opportunities, Healthy Minds, Uplift, Long Homegroup and more.
• Expanded School Agricultural programs and initiatives across year levels including Ag Club.
• Heritage Trades Program and Doorways to Construction Program for Senior School students: two Heritage Trades immersion programs are underway this semester. This is a first for Australian schools.
• SRC/Prefect Leadership program.
• School House ‘Golden Events’ to promote teamwork and school values.
• William Lakes Lifestyle Development curriculum links and opportunities.
• Student Entrepreneurial initiatives: Kappy Brew Café, Re-Making Eringa and more.

We continue to enrich our students’ schooling experience with a range of co-curricular initiatives such as knock out sports, curriculum excursions, guest speakers/visitors and partner organisations to provide our young people with current, innovative and real-world opportunities.

Subject Counselling

This term we commence the process of Subject Counselling conversations, in preparation for 2024. These are high-stakes conversations which help shape the future endeavours and success of our young people. In support of this we’ve developed a new Curriculum Prospectus which outlines the subjects and programs on offer and to help students, parents/caregivers and staff have informed conversations when considering electives for study. The resource will be released in the coming weeks as a digital resource which all families can access online. Families will receive further information shortly about booking appointments for subject counselling.

Assessment Deadlines

From Term 3 Subject Assessment Deadlines are on DayMap, for all students, parents and caregivers to access through the parent portal. The move to DayMap as opposed to emails, is based on feedback that we received from families on how they’d prefer to receive and access Assessment Deadlines each term. Thanks for your input and partnership around this. By working together in strong partnership, we’ll keep growing the achievement of our students in the short-term and their success in the long-term.     

If you have any queries or require support around accessing DayMap, please contact our ICT Team on: (08) 8566 2203, press 5 and they will be happy to assist you. If you have any questions about Subject Assessment Deadlines, please work with your child’s subject teacher.

A copy of our School Assessment Deadlines Procedures can be accessed on our school website or at the link below.

Expectations for Learning

Firstly well done and congratulations to our students on successfully upholding Mobile Phone expectations, which have been in place from the start of the year. Overall our school has adapted and adjusted well to school and state-wide expectations, with more time being spent on learning, engaging in activities and interacting with peers. Expectations are outlined in our updated Student Use of Mobile Phone and Electronic Devices Policy, which can be found on our school website or at the link below.

In Term 3 we are moving to wired, plug-in earphones only and restricting the use of wireless earphones at our school. This is to ensure that earphones are used for on-task, approved learning purposes. Earphones will be made available for purchase at school, if required, or students are welcome to bring their own wired earphones, to use for approved learning tasks. This will further ensure that laptops and devices are used for learning purposes. Thank you for your support.

Student Rugby Jumper

This term we are exploring the introduction of a school Rugby Jumper, at the request of students and working with Governing Council. We have collected input from parents/caregivers and students for design options via an online survey over the past few weeks. It’s been very pleasing to see high interest, input and involvement around this with over 400 students and a few hundred parents voting for their preferred option. The next step is Governing Council will ratify the preferred option and we will move on to costings and ordering. We’ll keep you informed along the way as more details are finalised and ready to share with our school community.

The school Rugby Jumper will be an optional, additional uniform item that families can purchase. It is not a compulsory uniform item and does not replace exist uniform items, which will still be available for purchase online.

SunSmart Policy

Please note that Hats will be required from Week 6 this term – Monday 28^th August. If you need to purchase a school hat, please visit our Front Office. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment for our School Uniform requirements.

School Rebuild – Student Opportunities

Steady progress is happening with our school rebuild. This includes work planned to start shortly for the next phase of internal work, such as repairing walls, structures, flooring platforms and investigating services. There is also lots of work happening behind the scenes for planning, design and functionality for both Eringa and also replacing Building 60 (Transportable classroom). This has involved ongoing meetings with the Department for Education, Architects, Heritage SA and various experts. What’s clear is we are making good progress and receiving great ongoing support for our school. There is minimal impact on day to day learning and opportunities for students.    

We recently announced that FCTA – Building Careers is the Registered Training Organisation that will be partnering with our school to deliver our Heritage Trades Skills program. Over Terms 3 and 4, FCTA will run a Heritage Trades immersion program for Year 10 and 11 students. This will include work around the first in-school project – restoration of the ‘Kidman Coach House’, located at the Hawke Street entrance to our school.

Whenever possible, we are also making the most of opportunities for students to be involved in our school re-build and other Entrepreneurial opportunities to prepare them for an amazing future. There will be opportunities for other classes and subject areas to be involved in various stages of the restoration and school re-development.   

Please note our next Governing Council meeting is on Tuesday 8th August at 6.30pm. We will be discussing a number of items, including short and longer-term school plans and also facilities for student learning.

I look forward to continuing our partnership over Term 3 and working together to achieve great things for our students and school community.

David Marino 

Principal

School Closure Day Monday, 4th September (Week 7)

Pupil Free Day Tuesday, 5th September (Week 7)

Last Day of Term 3 Friday, 29th September (Week 10)

Please be advised that the date for the upcoming year 10 immunisations has changed from Tuesday 15th August to Wednesday 6th September. Year 10 work experience is taking place the week of the 15th August, so we have changed the date to accomodate this. If you have any enquiries regarding this, please call the school on (08) 8566 2203 and ask to speak to Tab. 

Tab Mackenzie 

Immunisation Coordinator

This year we are competing in the dairy heifer competition at the Adelaide Show for the first time. We have been fortunate to have Jersey Fresh assist with this by supplying us with two Jersey heifers. Carcoola Tripp Shelby is the larger heifer and Carcoola Bushfield Merle is the smaller heifer. Students will work with these two during their lunch times getting them ready for the competition in September.

A massive thank you goes to Jersey Fresh for helping us. Students and staff are very excited to see cattle here again at the school.

Karen Bromley 

Agriculture Teacher

This term sees the start of the process for subject selection; all students from Year 7 to 11 will need to choose their subjects for 2024. Starting with Year 11, there will be a series of common steps for each year level to ensure students make the best possible choices for their pathway.

These common steps involve:

1. All students have received information regarding subject selection for next year. This included a summary letter to go home to families, and information allowing students to access the online subject selection portal with a unique logon

2. Relevant SACE/VET and Subject information to be presented to year level groups. Students have been encouraged to speak to parents/caregivers and teaching staff about their subject choices.

3. Senior School (year 10/11) Course Counselling Meetings for Senior School Students will take place on the evening of Thursday 24th August, and during the day on Friday 25th August and Monday 28th August. Bookings can be made through the website:

using the booking code 4juzc

         
To support this process:

There will be no year 10 students at school on Friday the 25th August

There will be no year 11 students at school on Monday the 28th August

4. Families of students in year 7, 8 and 9:

All students have the opportunity meet with a Year level Leader to discuss their options for subjects in 2024 if they wish. Parents and Caregivers are welcome to contact the school and make an appointment time if they would like to be present.

5. Choices made will generate classes and a school timetable is then developed. Early in Term 4 all students and parents will receive a letter confirming the choices made and any changes that are required due to timetable clashes or classes which are not running. Changes of subject choice can be made at this point.

Tim Jones

Deputy Principal

Kapunda High School received a generous donation from local artist Doug Bear in the Term 2 holidays. The Art Department received a range of acrylic paints and mediums, some brushes and canvases. Their support is greatly appreciated, it will allow students access to more materials as they pursue their creative endeavours. 

Jen Ahrens

Art Teacher

Riley a worthy recipient of VERTO and CEF scholarship

Kapunda apprentice, Riley Menzel, is the worthy recipient of a $2k scholarship thanks to not-for-profit apprenticeship, employment and training services provider, VERTO, and the Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF).

Early in 2023 Riley received a CEF grant from the Kapunda High School Centenary Foundation, which is one of the 44 educational foundations under the umbrella of CEF.  This original grant enabled Riley to be considered for the VERTO scholarship.

Riley has just completed his Certificate III in Electrotechnology at TAFE while undertaking his apprenticeship with Kurt Smith, Barossa & Light Electrical, and Roseworthy.

“Receiving a local CEF grant and VERTO scholarship has given me the opportunity to purchase the tools and other things I need for my job every day, without too much financial stress,” said Riley. “It also greatly assists with costs of travel and attending TAFE at Elizabeth.”

VERTO CEO Ron Maxwell said this scholarship took VERTO’s total financial support of CEF to $20,000 over the past two years, and believes Riley is another thoroughly deserving recipient.

“We know there are additional challenges for rural and regional students that can lead to education and employment gaps and have a range of impacts on entire communities. The work CEF is doing, through the Kapunda Foundation, to close these gaps is vital and incredibly worthy of our support.

“A huge congratulations to Riley. He is hardworking and going places in his industry, so we’re delighted to help support his learning journey.”

CEF CEO Juliet Petersen said VERTO’s support continued to make a huge difference for regional trainees across the CEF network.

“For CEF, working with VERTO is a great step forward in promoting all types of post-school education, and as an organisation that services rural and regional Australia, we recognise the importance of acknowledging wonderful young people like Riley in fostering and promoting the aspirations and educational success of young people across the communities in which we operate.” 

Kapunda High School Centenary Foundation Secretary, Anne Hornsey, said, “We are delighted that our South Australian grant recipient, Riley, was successful in receiving this VERTO scholarship.   We know he is worthy of the award and will spend it wisely on his educational and training needs”.

Said Riley, “I am very grateful for this great support from VERTO, CEF and my Kapunda Foundation. When I qualify, I am looking forward to basing myself in a regional area to help fill the gap of tradespeople in country South Australia”.

The Country Education Foundation of Australia is primarily run by local volunteers, harnessing the power of local communities to change lives by providing further education, training, and career opportunities.  Chairman of the Kapunda High School Centenary Foundation, Barry Vogt, said, “It is pleasing that a Kapunda student is a beneficiary of this national CEF/VERTO award through our membership of the Country Education Foundation of Australia”.

To find out more about the foundation and how you can donate or get involved locally, visit the link below.

Anne Hornsey

Secretary- Kapunda High School Centenary Foundation

Our year 7-8 Knockout Netball team travelled to Port Pirie last week to compete in the first round of the competition. Game one was against Trinity, where we were very competitive in the first half, but unfortunately went down 21-42. Our second game was against St Marks where we had an outstanding first half which set up a close finish when St Marks challenged in the second half. The final score was 33-35 with a win to Kapunda High School. Our final game was against Sunrise Christian School where the team was able to mix up positions for the final half and come away with a comfortable win.

A big congratulations to the entire team on their effort and sportsmanship throughout the day. Also a massive thank you to Charlotte Leslie and Emma Valentine for their support coaching the team, and Lee-Anne Cummins for her team management and making the day happen.

Tim Jones 

Deputy Principal

More grants available in 2024 from Kapunda High School Centenary Foundation

Many rural and regional students thinking about university study or vocational training courses have no idea what the expected costs will be, and many will be reluctant to take on that risk according to the Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF), of which Kapunda High School Centenary Foundation is a member.

Said Centenary Foundation Secretary, Mrs Anne Hornsey, “Each year since the start of our Centenary Foundation in 2007, we have noticed a significant increase in the need for financial support to country students.  We are pleased our Foundation has been able to make a difference to a number of these students. 

To help allay some of that financial worry, and to encourage students to commence their tertiary studies or training in 2024, the Centenary Foundation has recently released details of its grant offerings for 2024.

Including $10,000 worth of continuing support in 2024, there is another $20,000 available in grants available to current senior students.

KHS Centenary Foundation Chairman, Mr Barry Vogt and secretary, Mrs Anne Hornsey with KHS year 12 students at the information session.

At a recent Information Session for Years 12s held at Kapunda High School, Mrs Hornsey outlined some of the history of the Centenary Foundation and advised students that a total of $370,000 had been made available to 135 successful applicants, since the first grant was made in 2009.  She explained that the funds available are to be used for genuine education expenses or for some of the costs entailed in attending campus, eg travel expenses, updating technology, text books, and accommodation.

Mrs Hornsey explained that initial applications are to be made on-line to CEF, who will pass Kapunda applications on to the local committee who will process them and decide who should move through to the interview level.

Centenary Foundation Chairman, Mr Barry Vogt, advised students on what the Selection Panel would be looking for at the interview level and advised all students to put significant effort into presenting themselves in the best possible way.  He asked students to seriously think about what their goals and ambitions were and to focus on setting about being successful in their quest. He also emphasized the need to obtain good supporting documents and appropriate references to give the Selection Panel an idea of the qualities of the applicant.

Students may apply for the local Foundation Education Grants via the Country Education Foundation website: 

– click Apply for a Grant, then follow the prompts.

Applications opened on Tuesday 1st August 2023 and close on Saturday, 30th September 2023.

Anne Hornsey 

Secretary- Kapunda High School Centenary Foundation

Please be advised that on Monday of week 4, the canteen will not be taking orders for lunchtime. Orders will be able to be made for recess, but not lunch. Food will be able to be purchased as normal at recess, but there will be a limited availability of hot foods at lunchtime. If your child usually orders lunch, consider ordering for them at recess time instead, or provide a lunch for them on this day.

This is due to a catering event for the Primary School. Thank you for your cooperation!

KHS is currently playing host to a group of Japanese exchange students who are visiting us from Tokyo. Last week, the students went on an excursion to the Gorge Wildlife Park and Whispering Wall.

On Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th July, our two Youth Opportunites groups celebrated their graduation. Throughout term 2, students spent one day per week participating in the face-to-face personal leadership program. The program assists students in building confidence, resilience, a sense of wellbeing and many more skills they will carry with them for life. Kapunda High School has long been involved with Youth Opportunities, and has seen many students benefit greatly from the program.

Congratulations graduates!