KANAHOOKA

HIGH SCHOOL Proud member of Dapto Learning Community and Curriculum Network Illawarra

ISSUE No. 12 Newsletter 26 August 2016

Robert Street, Dapto 2530 Telephone: 4261 4011

UOW Science and Engineering Challenge

Ski Trip

STAGE 5 DEPUTY REPORT

The year is quickly disappearing. Already we are into the second half of Term 3 and the Rio Olympics have finished. As always Kanahooka is a very busy and productive place. Students are active in and out of the classroom, with many extra curricular events happening. This becomes evident when reading the school newsletter.

I had the privilege last week, of being one of the teachers attending the KHS Ski Trip. As always students displayed outstanding levels of behaviour and co-operation. As a group of students they brought credit to themselves, their families and Kanahooka High School. The fatigued bodies coming home on the bus on Wednesday was indicative of the effort all students made to improve their skills on the slopes. I would like to take this opportunity to thank parents and carers for supporting the Ski Trip by allowing their children to attend. It has been an annual event at Kanahooka since 2001 and I am sure it will continue to be an important part of our school for many years to come.

I must admit, the positive attitude displayed on the Ski Trip is something I see every day in my role as Deputy Principal. However, there are a number of issues which I need to ask for parent/carer assistance:

All students need to come to school with the necessary equipment to help them learn. Would you please have a discussion with your child as to whether they have all the books, pens and other equipment they require. If they do not have this equipment, time is lost at the start of each lesson as the teacher ensures all students have it. This impacts upon the learning in the classroom for both your child and other students in the class. One way of helping your child is getting them to check their timetable before they leave the house for school each day. This enables them to determine what equipment they need for the day. For example, they may need to pack their sports uniform if they have a practical PDHPE lesson.

All students attending Kanahooka High School are required to turn up wearing the correct school uniform. A description of the items students must wear to be in correct school uniform can be found on the school website. It is pleasing to report that the vast majority of students do attend each day in correct school uniform. I thank both students and parents/carers for working with us. However, there are some issues you need to be aware of:

The school jumper needs to be worn due to the cold weather, some students are wearing jumpers which are not part of our school uniform.

Tights are only permitted if worn under shorts, skirts or the tunic.

In the colder weather long black dress pants (no elastic in the bottom hem) can be worn. The correct items of school uniform can be purchased from the school canteen, Lowes in Dapto or Poppets at North Wollongong.

CANTEEN UNIFORM PRICES

Blouse (White with emblem) $20.00

Cardigan (Black with emblem) $40.00

Girls Long Pants (Black) $31.00

Girls Shorts (Black) $28.00

Girls Skirt $25.00

Girls Tunic $50.00

Polo Shirts (with emblem) $20.00

Sloppy Joe (Green and Red) $20.00

Sports Shirt $30.00

Unisex Jacket (Black) $40.00

Unisex Long Pants (Black) $28.00

Unisex Shorts (Black) $20.00

Unisex Sport Shorts $22.00

Stockings $5.00

Uniform Sales available from

Canteen between 7.30am and 12pm

STAGE 5 DEPUTY REPORT cont….

You are aware we have two Stage 5 Advisers. They are Miss Dean from the PDHPE Faculty and Mr Walton from the Mathematics Faculty. If you have any questions regarding your child’s educational progress or issues they are having at school, please ring either of these Advisers. They may not be able to speak to you immediately due to being in class, however, they will return your call as soon as possible. They should be your first point of contact and will deal with the issue you bring to their attention or consult with another staff member to achieve a positive outcome.

I have included photos of students in Years 9 and 10 working productively in various classrooms. It is great to be able to visit classes and observe students engaged in the interesting and enjoyable lesson activities provided by their teachers. Thank you for working with us to help achieve positive learning outcomes for your children.

Mr P Kipp Stage 5 Deputy Principal

Just after 1pm Sunday 14 August, 49 students (mostly Year 9, some Year 10 and two Year 11), Mr Kipp, Mr Ursino, Ms Cannon and Mrs Lowis left Kanahooka High School for the annual ski trip. The trip down was filled with excitement and expectations as we watched the movie “Eddie the Eagle”, based on the true story of the Olympic hero at the Calgary Winter Olympics. It was an appropriate theme considering the Summer Olympics at Rio was in full swing.

We arrived at “Cooba Alpine Motel” at Berridale about 7.30pm, unloaded our bags and went into town to pick up our skis, snowboards and snow gear. Everyone was anticipating the arrival of the next day at the snow.

Both Monday and Tuesday were warm and sunny. This might seem the ideal conditions but it means the snow starts melting quickly and this was evident at Smiggins, with several runs having very icy and grassy patches. Everyone worked hard in their ski lessons and then had the opportunity to practise their skills in the afternoon. Unfortunately, Wednesday was wet and often a complete white-out on the slopes. Many students persevered even though conditions were extremely unpleasant.

The tired (but happy) Kanahooka students and staff returned mostly unharmed, except for a few small bruises and strains, Wednesday night about 9pm.

A huge THANK YOU must go to Mr Kipp for his exceptional organisation for another very successful ski trip. Many students are keen to return next year and hone up on the skills they learnt in 2016. Mrs Lowis

Ski Trip Enthusiast

STUDENT SKI REPORT Kanahooka ski trippers left school on Sunday 14 August in a warm 20°C and arrived at the extremely cold Cooba six hours later. We hired our ski gear and waited anxiously for the next day.

After our breakfast we hopped on the bus to take us up the mountain. We were all very tired but were told by the very happy Mrs Lowis, multiple times, “don’t sleep on the bus!”. After a long day of lessons, snowball fights and falling over, we took the bus back to the hotel. Some of the best times of the camp were at the hotel hanging out with friends and the other schools. We could also go in the pool and sauna and had a games room.

The next two trips up the mountain we all got a little better after lessons from the Snowsports instructors. On the last day we finished skiing at three, stopped quickly at the ski hire to drop all our gear off and start the six hour trip home, filled with movies, laughs and Macca’s. We were all very relieved to see our parents/carers when we arrived back at school.

All the teachers did an exceptional job at making sure the trip ran smoothly and all the students give a massive THANK YOU! We would definitely go again. Joel K, Rory B and Julian V

SKI TRIP

SCIENCE NEWS

With the end of Term 3 fast approaching, we have all been working hard at new ideas and projects. The Science faculty are well underway with planning the implementation of STEM challenges into the units of work taught in Years 7-10. Most students are working hard on their STEM based projects for the Science Fair on Wednesday of Week 9 this term. The Science Fair will be bigger and better in 2016 as we already have more entries than last year. Don’t forget the labs will be open on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons if you need any extra assistance. Last week we celebrated Science Week, by having students come and work on a Design a Car Project for ABC Splash during their lunch break. There were some wonderful and innovative designs from our students. Thanks to all those who attended. Our Year 12 students are fast approaching the HSC. It is important that students use this short time left in class wisely, ensuring they attend all classes to get the most out of their lessons and are thoroughly prepared for the examinations. Remember the Science Faculty are here to help and if you feel like you are struggling, make sure you ask for assistance. Year 11 is almost at the end of their Preliminary courses and will be starting the HSC courses next term. They should all be preparing for their final Preliminary examinations as they too are fast approaching. Year 10 are currently making the important choices of subject selections for 2017. Students have been eagerly working on their portfolios to showcase their abilities across the school, with some students going above and beyond. If your portfolio is looking a bit worse for wear it’s not too late, talk to your teacher about the work samples you are submitting. This is a great practise to get into for future studies and careers. Remember if you are unsure about subjects you are choosing, speak to your teacher. This term, Year 8 Science will be attending the Powerhouse Museum as part of their unit of work. If you haven’t already done so make sure you pay at the front office and bring your note to the staffroom as soon as possible. It shall be an awesome day, you don’t want to miss out. By now, all Year 7-10 students should be well underway with their assessments task, due Week 7 or 8 (depending on year group). These are important assessments for learning and aim to build the students skills in a fun and engaging activity. We encourage parents to talk to the students about these assessments and become actively involved in the learning process. A reminder for those students who still have outstanding Science Fees. Your $10 fee can be paid to the front office and goes towards cost of consumables. Year 8 are currently doing plenty of dissections, so make sure you get this money in so we can keep purchasing organs.

SCIENCE NEWS cont….

FUTURE CAREERS IN STEM Year 9 and 10 students were most fortunate to have Destiny Paris, UOW's STEM Outreach Co-ordinator, speak to them about Careers of the Future. Destiny is determined to encourage future generations towards combining their passions with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills so that as humanitarians, environmentalists, artists, and innovators they are equipped with the tools and attitudes to create a better world. Destiny grew up in Central Australia and showed the students at KHS that there are a multitude of options out there and that they need to dream big and put in the work and they will succeed. The Science Faculty are looking forward to working closely with Destiny in connecting us with industry links for our new STEM subject in Stage 5 2017.

ENRICHMENT DAYS AT UOW In Week 3, Year 11 Chemistry and Year 11 Biology got a real insight into life as a student at UOW, as our eager senior students attended UOW for the Enrichment Days. These programs run every year and allow students, from the high schools local to UOW, to complete lectures and experiments, at the University, run by Masters of Science Education students. The students had a great time experiencing life as a UOW student. I think they really enjoyed not having to wear their uniform and being able to have Subway for lunch. This is a great experience for the students, as well as for the teachers, who always manage to get a few new ideas from the day. Mrs C Cohen Head Teacher Science

SCIENCE NEWS cont….

THE ART OF FISH BREEDING The Year 10 class are taking the saying a little too literally, merging skills they have learnt in Art with Aquaponics. Each member of the class is designing a clay cave which can be used for aquarium fish to breed in. They have started planning the cave on paper, researching a particular species' preferences in a breeding site - fish can be very particular! Once each student has settled on a design, they will be making the cave out of clay which will be baked in an oven to produce a custom built fish breeding cave! The fish are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their new love nest.

Mr J Higgins Science

PRIMARY SCHOOL VISITS Stage 3 students from Koonawarra Primary School were treated to a Science Master Class in Week 3, when they visited Kanahooka High School to learn how to conduct a scientific investigation with Mr Arthur and Mr Crighton. Students discovered what the scientific method is, how to conduct a scientific investigation and present it for a Science Fair. Next up, they explored a range of different experimental ideas and put their teamwork to the test in designing a boat from aluminium foil that could carry the most weight. To finish off the day, students displayed their research skills to find a potential scientific experiment to investigate and designed their research project. During Week 4, Mr Arthur, Mr Crighton and Mrs Kohlhardt visited Lakelands, Hayes Park and Mount Brown Public Schools to assist them in developing their scientific skills. Mount Brown and Lakelands students enjoyed workshops that guided them towards planning their research ideas into an effective experimental procedure using the scientific method. Stage 3 students at Hayes Park explored the scientific method experimenting with tea bag rockets and a grand finale of Mentos and Pepsi fountains. With Kanahooka Science Fair fast approaching in Week 9, we are eager to see the results

of investigations conducted by the young, budding scientists from the primary schools as

well as those conducted by our students.

Mr R Crighton

Science

SCIENCE NEWS cont….

TRANSITION WORKSHOPS A wonderful afternoon was had on Tuesday 16 August, when 32 keen and inquisitive young scientists from local primary schools attended the Year 6 to 7 transition afternoon. The students got a taste of what high school Science will be like next year as they looked at the practical applications of chemical reactions. The students were tasked with creating a fire extinguisher powerful enough to put out a small fire. All students participated in this fun activity and extra points were awarded to those students who “accidentally” sprayed Mr Crighton, rather than the fire. It was a great opportunity for the Science Faculty to meet some of the bright young faces that we will be seeing in the labs next year. It is clear that there are some very intelligent and keen problem solvers in the group and it was heartening to hear that they have been busily working on their Science Fair poster boards for the big day in Week 9. Special thanks must go to Leah P (9K) who stayed after school in her own time to help out with the activities. Mr H McKay Science

UOW SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING CHALLENGE STEM was in the air on 27 July, as 24 students from Years 9 and 10 competed in the 2016 Science and Engineering challenge at the University of Wollongong. The students competed in groups against other local schools to accumulate points to contribute to Kanahooka High School’s total. Some of the challenges included designing and building a remote controlled hovercraft, building a rover to travel on the bumpy surface of Mars, constructing an earthquake proof tower using only straws and tape and building a bionic hand using pulleys and string to pick up different objects. All students displayed outstanding enthusiasm and commitment towards their respective challenges and utilised all of their scientific knowledge and problem solving skills. Special mention to Kyle G and Alex K who won their challenge against some hot competition from the private schools. As a school we finished 6

th on the day, which was an excellent achievement. Congratulations to all students

who attended this day. Mr D Arthur

Science

WE’RE BACK…..HSIE RETURNS TO THE 500 BLOCK

HSIE staff and students have returned to the 500 Block this week after moving out for renovations in Term 2. New carpet has been installed in several rooms and Room 511 has been painted. Thank you to all staff and students for your patience and understanding during this time. In particular, a huge thank you goes to the TAS Faculty for allowing HSIE staff to use their staffroom. We were made to feel very welcome and

enjoyed our time in a different environment.

YEAR 11 and 12 LEGAL STUDIES EXCURSION TO WOLLONGONG COURT HOUSE

The Year 11 and 12 Legal Studies classes recently went to Wollongong Court House to take a tour and

experience first-hand court proceedings. The day started with a tour of the original court room, the

history of the room and proceedings. The different areas of the court room and proceedings were then

explained and students were given the opportunity to sit anywhere in the room, even the Magistrate’s

chair. We then took a look at the holding cells underneath the court house where prisoners awaiting trial

are held until they are taken to the court room for their hearing. Two Correctional Service Officers spoke

to the students about the difficulties and extremes of their jobs, including the stark reality of dealing with

offenders involved with the Ice epidemic in the community. We then had the opportunity to sit in on actual

court proceedings in both the local and district courts. The high profile case the classes witnessed in the

district court session had both classes closely following the media in the following days to see the

outcome. All students enjoyed the experience and benefited from the real world application to the theory

studied in class.

Mr G Knowles

Head Teacher HSIE

NEWS FROM THE HSIE FACULTY

JAPANESE

It has been a very busy term for Language with the Okazaki High School students from Japan spending ten days with us, the traditional Taiko Drumming performance and a celebration of the Olympics. Thirteen students from Okazaki arrived on the afternoon of 29 July and were immediately immersed into a Pokemon hunt around our school, showing them all areas of the school. They met up with their “buddies” and their host families before heading home for the weekend. The following week was filled with a wide variety of activities both at school and in the local area. There were language exchange lessons with Year 8 Language and the Year 9 and 11 elective Japanese classes. PE, Maths, Science and Hospitality all opened their classrooms to show the Okazaki students school life at KHS. The Okazaki students and their buddies also went together on an excursion to the Botanic Gardens where lots of fun was had by all. This is the third year for the Okazaki High School visit and it keeps getting bigger each year. We look forward to their visit again next year!

Years 7, 8 and the elective Japanese and Music classes have also had the experience of traditional

Japanese drumming – Taiko. ‘eZy Japanese’ visited the school and provided us with a unique opportunity

to work together as a group and produce some amazing sounds and rhythms from the Taiko. It was an

amazing experience which everyone enjoyed.

In class, Year 8 Language has returned to the study of Japanese to coincide with the

Okazaki visit and with the Olympics. We have studied both Australian and Japanese

athletes and we will be preparing introductions for an athlete and presenting it in

Japanese. The countdown is on for Tokyo 2020!

Mrs A Shoebridge

NEWS FROM THE HSIE FACULTY

RSPCA CUPCAKE DAY

On Friday 19 August, Year 7 Perfect Petz elective class organised a cupcake day as part of the RSPCA fundraising event for 2016.

It was great to see so many students and staff of Kanahooka High join in this worthwhile cause by bringing in yummy cupcakes, slices and muffins. We also had several four-legged “special” guests helping out. Ms Cairn’s three Chihuahuas (Addie, Dottie and Roar), Ms Burn’s American Staffy (Yager) and Mrs Lowis’ two Belgian Shepherds (Seven and B’Elanna) were present at recess. Most of the cupcakes brought in were sold at recess under the COLA.

During the interest elective time, students baked fresh cupcakes and muffins. A special thanks to Miss Middlebrook’s Year 7 Interest group for helping out with extra cupcakes too. At lunchtime, these were also sold.

A BIG thank you to all the Kanahooka High community who helped raise

a total of $264.70!

Congratulations to Mr Kipp, Ms Burns, Mrs Richards and Mrs Rupa, who were all very worthy recipients

of their Wollongong Network Educational Excellence Awards.

We thank them for their hard work and continued dedication to Kanahooka High School’s students, staff

and wider community.

Earlier this year I was lucky enough to secure the position as NSW Combined High Schools Basketball

Convener. This means I am responsible for the organisation of all boys and girls basketball tournaments

at the New South Wales level.

I was recently the Executive Director of the Australian Schools Championships, in which NSW hosted the

tournament. I was able to watch some quality basketball over the duration of the seven day tournament.

Even more exciting was that NSW boys defeated QLD in the grand final to win the championships and

NSW girls went through the entire tournament undefeated, to then beat Victoria in their grand final. This is

a great success for NSW and it shows we have some very talented basketball players in our high

schools!

Miss C Dean

PDHPE

WOLLONGONG NETWORK AWARDS

SCHOOL PHOTOS Our school photos arrived and have been distributed to students.

SPECIALTY GROUP PHOTOS Proofs have been delivered for our specialty group photos (SRC, Support Unit, Koori Students, Year 12 Muck Up). These photos are $15 each and order envelopes are available from the front office. All orders must be in by Wednesday 31 August.

NSWCHS BASKETBALL

UPCOMING EVENTS Friday 26 to Saturday 27 August Southern Stars at WEC Monday 29 August HSC Visual Arts Major Works due Tuesday 30 August Japanese Excursion to Kirrawee HS Thursday 1 September Year 11 Ancient History Excursion to

Sydney Friday 2 September RYDA Crossroads Driver Safety Course Monday 5 September HSC Music Major Works due Wednesday 7 September Year 8 Powerhouse Museum Excursion Friday 9 September Year 7 2017 Enrolment Forms due Wednesday 14 September Science Fair 4-6pm in Hall Friday 16 to Friday 23 September Year 11 Yearly Exams Thursday 22 September Year 12 Graduation Ceremony Year 12 Reports distributed Friday 23 September Year 12 Mystery Day Last day of Term 3

CANTEEN NEWS Attention all students

To avoid the canteen queue place an order before school

and pick up your order at recess or lunch from the pre-ordered food window.

YEAR 7 ENROLMENTS FOR 2017 All enrolment forms for Year 7 2017 should be

returned to the office by Friday 9 September 2016.

Please bring in a copy of the Birth Certificate, Immunisation Record and

proof of residential address. We can copy these for you.

Any enquiries please contact Michelle Davies on 4261 4011.