19 November 2015

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal's Desk

It seems unbelievable that we have reached term four so swiftly! This term has seen quite a few developments that I would like to share with you.

PBS

The P&C and School Board were informed last term that Andrew Higginbottom from the DoE presented Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) to our leadership team and then the whole teaching staff. This is an operational framework which will support both our 'Student Engagement' and our 'Student Achievement' school priorities at Kent Street. PBS is a decision making framework which guides the staff to choose and implement evidence-based best practices which will improve both student behavioural and academic outcomes. The program not only identifies preferred behaviours which will result in success, it equips staff to overtly teach and encourage those expected behaviours. Attention to essential classroom practice is also a focus of the program – again, evidence-based best practices will be shared. We are committed to this initiative and a sizeable percentage of staff nominated to become involved in a working party.

Our PBS leadership team of twelve includes: Nadira Naidoo (Team Leader), Craig Lynch, Jo-Anne John, Gemma Brnjak, Ken Pascoe, David Whyatt, Kristen Mamo, Ben Thurstun, Betsy Wibowanto, Craig Wilkinson, Ruth Tateishi and Kath Ward.

In week three of this school term the PBS leadership team undertook two full days of training and commenced the implementation process. It is a long process that requires considerable consultation over time. We will be actively engaging with the entire school community – students, parents and staff – to ensure that the framework aligns to the identified needs of Kent Street in particular. We hope that you will be happy to share your perspective when we call upon you.

Year 11 exams

You may be aware that the Year 12 students have already commenced their final set of ATAR exams. The Year 11 exams also commenced on Monday 9 November. Those students with no exams are permitted to stay home for the duration of exams, however, if they know that they have outstanding work it is highly advisable that they negotiate with their teachers about coming to school – especially if the tasks are practical tasks which require access to school facilities. Exams finish on Tuesday 17 November and all Year 11s are expected to return until 4 December – the end of week 8. Many Learning Areas commence the 2016 curriculum in these closing weeks and students who stay away disadvantage themselves considerably. Please ensure that your Year 11 child comes to school for the thirteen working days after exams.

Support our school canteen

Our canteen committee has been working hard on revamping the menu and ensuring that students have access to quality food at a good price. However, it has come to our attention that some students are ordering food (like Domino's Pizza and soft drink) to be delivered to the gates of the school. This is not only a breach of the green food policy, it also impacts on sales at the canteen. Please encourage your child to keep their business local and purchase from the P&C run canteen. The school will also be contacting Domino's Pizza about this matter.

Crosswalk attendant

Berwick Street is an extremely busy road and a new crosswalk attendant was recently appointed. It is essential that students make use of this new safety measure as it is frustrating for drivers to willingly stop at the approved crosswalk only to have to stop again less than 100 metres down the road for students who have alighted from the bus and headed directly across the road. Please encourage your child to walk up to the corner and do the right thing.

Whilst on the topic of safety, the local police have asked us to remind students who cycle to school that bike helmets are compulsory. It would not be nice to get an on the spot fine.

Perimeter fencing

The public consultation phase has now concluded. We welcomed feedback on the planned fencing program until 10 November 2015. All going well, we hope that the fencing will be installed during the summer holidays.

As this may be the final formal communication for 2015, I wish you all a happy and safe summer break and look forward to seeing most of you back in the new school year. To the Year 12s, I look forward to the formal leavers' night at the end of November and wish you every success for the future.

Mrs Kath Ward
Principal

Year 11 Human Biology Enjoy a Day at the Harry Perkins Research Institute

Kent Street Human Biology ATAR students spent the day at the Harry Perkins Research Institute at the Sir Charles Gardner Hospital early term 4. Their visit included a tour of the facility where stem cell research is at the forefront of the treatment of medical conditions such as Parkinson's Disease and Motor Neuron Disease. The Harry Perkins Institute is a multi-million dollar facility which is a world leading institute in developing technologies to assist in the treatment of such debilitating disorders. Kent Street students have been studying stem cell research as part of their core curriculum in Human Biology this semester.

Students were able to use real human stem cells within the institute's laboratories to firstly culture more cells and then stain these cells to be able to observe their composition under an electron microscope. In doing so students were able to further build on their understanding of the importance of using such techniques as well as observing the development of medical technologies with a real work context. Students were also able to consider ethical constraints which impact on the successful use of stem cells and its research in society.

As part of the day's events students met with medical scientists and were able to discuss progress on particular research projects currently being performed at the institute. One particular aspect of the day was the ability to visit different categories of laboratories. The laboratories we have at Kent Street are classed as category 1 laboratories which means that no testing on human samples can be undertaken. The students spent most of the day using a category 2 laboratory which permits human samples to be tested on. We also were taken on a tour of a category 4 laboratory which is a highly hazardous laboratory where special testing (such as on the AIDS virus) are conducted. As such labs require specific licenses to be able to enter the facility the students were able to view this lab through class doors from the outside.

Students thoroughly enjoyed the day and the exposure to such real life and real world research techniques have spurred the students in Human Biology at Kent Street to work hard on completing the course to the best of their ability in second semester 2015. Student interest in extending their knowledge in this field have also been supported through the successes achieved in this program.

Frank Cardenia
Head of Science

Japanese News

This month we sadly say Sayonara - goodbye to our one year exchange student Misato Manaka who will be returning to Japan. We thank her for the wonderful language and cultural exchange with all the students, especially the Year 12 group.

We also would like to thank our amazing native speaker assistant, Hitomi Cant for all her help this year. We are very lucky to have her returning in 2016 to help the Yr 12's with Japanese fluency.

Ruth Tateishi
Japanese Teacher

From the Business Manager

PAYMENT OF CONTRIBUTIONS AND CHARGES

Thank you to those families who have paid their 2015 Voluntary Contributions and Charges.

School Contributions enable the school to purchase essential resources to assist in the best possible educational outcomes for our students.

Letters and reminders were recently sent out to families who have outstanding charges.

Senior School Charges (Year 11 and 12), Specialist Program Charges (Year 7 to 12) and Elective Charges (Year 9 and 10) are compulsory as per Department of Education Policy.

Charges should have been paid by the end of term 1, 2015 unless a payment plan was arranged. It is disappointing to note that our collection rate for charges is currently only 61% (70% for Year 7 – 10 Voluntary Contributions).

Outstanding compulsory charges must be paid by 4 December 2015. The school is required to follow up on outstanding compulsory charges, including the use of debt collection agencies. Please be advised that outstanding charges will definitely be referred to our debt collection agency at the end of this year.

A 50% deposit for 2016 compulsory subject charges is also required to be paid by 4 December 2015.

The school offers a variety of payment options:

1. Cash, cheque, EFTPOS including credit card facilities (credit card payments are also able to be phoned through).
2. Direct deposit to our bank account: BSB: 066128 A/C No: 00900195
   (Please ensure that the following format is adhered to, this will ensure the correct account is credited: (EG: If you are paying contributions & charges please enter Joe Smith Yr 8 CC)
3. Arrange a payment plan

If you have any queries or would like to set up a payment plan, please contact the Finance Officer – Bev Davis on 9262 0500.

ASX Schools Sharemarket Game

Once again the ASX Schools sharemarket game is underway again. Over 70 syndicates from Kent Street are playing at this time against 10,000+ from Australia and Asia. The game is played completely online and is based on live data from the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX). Students and Teachers can play. Everyone starts with $50,000 to invest in any companies from the top 200 stocks in Australia. The duration of the game is only 10 weeks so you need to be closely aware of the market if you are going to trade into profit.

The game started with the largest fall in stock prices since the global financial crisis of 2008/2009. This day was called Black Monday by the newspapers and showed how world events can affect us here in Australia. This set the scene for some exciting times as cashed up smart investors hunted for the best bargains.

Students at Kent Street have been at the front since the game started and regularly feature in the top WA students. Check out these students performance go to www.asx.com and follow the steps to the schools sharemarket game…or simply ask one of the students… How did your portfolio go today?

Time will tell… it looks like the market will be quite volatile for a while..

Don't be scared it's not your money! BUT if you get it right there are REAL CASH prizes for the winners…and of course these valuable skills are transferable to the real world. (Adults also can play the sharemarket game see

Congratulations to the Early leaders in the game

Jesse Holmes and Rohil Raymond (3rd and 2nd ranked in Western Australia)

Mr Collopy
HASS Teacher

Student Council 2015

2015 has been a great year for the Student Representative Council of Kent Street. Over the year we as a group have run many successful events to raise the profile of our great school in the wider public arena. Most recently fifteen students from our schools student council represented Kent Street in raising funds for research into preventing and curing cancer for the Cancer Council of WA. These student councillors participated in this year's Curtin Relay for Life event. This event required the team to walk and run continuously for 24 hours around a designated track. In doing so the team managed to complete 689 laps of the track which added up to 168km over the 24 hour period. Over the event Kent Street Student Representative Council managed to raise a total of $500 for this cause.

A priority for this group of school leaders for this year was to raise enough funds to purchase a multi-use defibulator to be kept in the front office in the case of an extreme medical emergency. We are pleased to report that we have been able to raise the grand total of $2000 required to purchase this devise. Events such as "Crazy Hair Day" where students donated a gold coin to have their hair coloured for the day and sausage sizzles at this year's swimming and athletics carnivals were also held to raise money for this cause. We would like to thank all of the Kent Street community in supporting us with this venture.

After two years of no River Cruises at Kent Street the Student Council felt it was time for this group to attempt to get a lower school river cruise off the ground. With a lot of hard work as well as raising awareness of the fun to be had on such events as well as the importance of rewarding the diligence of our students we are pleased to report a lower school river cruise went ahead in term 3. Lots of fun was had with dancing, great music, positive attitudes together with a pizza dinner saw all on board having a great time. Look out in 2016 for more fun activities to reward students with good standing from you Student Representative Council.

If you feel you would like to contribute to a positive atmosphere at Kent Street in 2016 and beyond then joining the Student Representative Council is for you. Each year we as a student body plan which events we would like to contribute to, so if you are a person with great ideas have leadership qualities and are reliable, look out in early 2016 to nominate.

Fashion Showcase 2015

After three terms of anticipation and expectations the Showcase finally arrived. Staff and students had nervously yet enthusiastically awaited the night and put an enormous effort into completing all of the garments….

"What a night and one to be remembered!"

In the words of our school principal Mrs Kath Ward "only one of our students aspires to be a catwalk model however on the evening of Wednesday the 28th of October there were over 60 Fashion students doing just that!"

Finally the sewing and art for 2015 was showcased with every student taking to the stage at least once under the lights and on film. Twirling and posing along the catwalk basking in their moment under the spotlight!

Monday the 26th of October was a day of planning for the showcase schedule and rehearsing. Wednesday was a full dress rehearsal before the final show started at 7pm and was over far too quickly!

A huge crowd of excited parents, guardians and friends filled the room around the stage after admiring the static art display in the foyer. They were then entertained by some very talented music students before and during the stars of the night took to the catwalk.

I hope I speak for everyone when I say "I can't wait for next year!"

Mrs Ingrid Hills
Home Economics Teacher

Soroptimist International Canning district scholarship recipient 2016/17

Through international partnerships and a global network of members, Soroptimists inspire action and create opportunities to transform the lives of women and girls by:

advocating for equity and equality;
creating safe and healthy environments;
increasing access to education; and developing leadership and practical skills for a sustainable future.

The scholarships we have offered for the past eight years are part of local action in our community. Other projects support education in developing countries as well.

Congratulations to this year's winner, Kent Street Senior High School Year 10 student Jessica Bowman.

Jessica will receive $400 Year 11 & $400 in year 12 to assist her in her study at KSSH. We would like to wish Jessica well in her future studies.

Mrs Bev Booth
Soroptimist International Canning District

Year 10 student
Jessica Bowman

40 Hour Famine

August again saw Kent Street participate in The World Vision 40 Hour Famine.

Martin, the School Chaplain, and the team from World Vision presented to all the year groups this very worthwhile fund raising event. We set a target of $1,000 for the school. We reached an "AMAZING" total of $2,750. Martin would personally like to thank all those who got on board with this as there were some fantastic personal efforts that helped us achieve this great result.

This brings up the total money raised by Kent Street since the start of the 40 Hour Famine some 40 years ago to over $30,000. Well done Kent Street! It is reassuring to know that we have students, staff and parents that have a genuine concern for those in the world less fortunate than ourselves.

The Arts

The 7th Variety Show 2015 – "Timelines of History"

Well, another show bites the dust and 'Timelines of History' is just a happy memory – immortalised by a lot of photographs! This year we took inspiration from that crazy show "Horrible Histories", and from reflections on various events in the school calendar, including film of overseas trips to Hollywood by Media and Fashion and the Science trip to Iceland. Our themes were reflected in the Time (Clocks) and Space (Sun, Moon & Stars) stage set, together with projections which included the painting of The Last Supper circa 1500 (adjusted to suit a Monty Python sketch including Kangeroos!), wild seas and shipwrecks showing Convicts on their way to Port Arthur circa 1800, and lights enhancing Dance routines circa 2015. Pantomime Parody brought us a disco Cinderella and Albert Einstein was lauded by his 'Nephew'; the 1970s was remembered in poetry and a dreadful warning could be found in a sketch about cut-price airlines of the future.

The films from media were exciting and varied, and the media desk and camera people did a grand job. Some younger students were able to learn the sound desk and help 'the techy' from All Things Theatre. They converted the gym into the Kent Street Theatre – marvellous! We rocked to the music of our talented bands and soloists, some of whom were in Year 12 this year and that was their last Variety Show – unless they like to come back next year and do cameo appearances in 2016?

We were entertained and sometimes startled by our MCs who are often 'larger than life'. That's the Arts though – we attract and encourage difference which helps us create and enjoy entertainment in a safe environment – and it's all good fun.

These are the people from Kent Street who became involved in September in our week long attempt to showcase the Arts and entertain you during two matinees and two evening performances.

Congratulations and thanks go to our gallant thespians especially Year 7's and 8's for whom this was a first Variety show at a new school; then we have musicians, media gurus, dancers, artists, photographers, stage manager, production manager and volunteer crews from Years 7 – 12, who organised costumes, makeup, wigs and props, together with, as a first time exhibitor, a film from science. They were generously supported by students and staff from home economics who provided refreshments during evening performances. Recognition must also go to the 'guys in the steel capped boots' who helped 'bump in' and 'bump out' – we really appreciate everything you do to help each year. Who has been left out? Staff! From the first germs of ideas (blame us in art, drama, music and media) into being ready on time, the production has become a huge undertaking and this year was no exception. All the extra hours organising, writing, meeting, rehearsing, editing, preparing, encouraging and bullying (not really – we are kind – really!!) everyone else who sold tickets, helped out on the nights, brought classes down during the day – and those who came 'on the night' to give us audiences, a huge thank you.

Here's the good news – the first seeds of ideas have already sprung into life from kids of all ages saying (even before the curtain came down on the last performance) "What are we doing next year?" Those of us who don't need any encouragement to get creative have already started thinking about and are willing to accept help with …. Wait for it ….. SUPERHEROES!

Here are some photos to entertain and maybe remind you of what you missed if you couldn't make it this year.

Thank you, and look forward to seeing you next year

Rose Benson
Marisa Green
David Sanderco
Madeleine Currie

Wanted: Second Hand Uniform

If you have a Kent Street Senior High School uniform/s that your child no longer needs we will gladly take them for disadvantaged students. Thanks to parents and guardians who have donated uniforms already as they are much appreciated.

Uniforms may be dropped to KSSHS Library during school weeks.

Library staff

Congratulations Kaitlin Smith

Central Institute of Technology has awarded Year 12 student Kaitlin Smith the Achievement Award for outstanding participation, assessments and work placement throughout the duration of the course – Cert III in Education Support. We would like to acknowledge that Kaitlin has gone above and beyond in the course. Well done Kaitlin!

Kaitlin Smith
Year 12 student.

Some beautiful fabric samples from Textile Class

Year 8

Year 9

Cricket News

It has been another great year in the Cricket Program at Kent Street with many highlights and wonderful cricketing experiences shared.

This year was a struggle for us initially in the 1st XI competition getting off to a slow start with consecutive losses for the first time in several years. We eventually found some form and made it through to the finals where we reached the semi-finals for the 27th consecutive year. Unfortunately we left our run a bit too late and left ourselves too much to do at and had to travel to John Forrest where we lost to the eventual winners in a tight game.

All of our students have demonstrated a passion for the game in 2015 and are endeavouring to develop their skills on the cricket field. As a result several people have achieved amazing things on the field.

Several of our students were also very successful for the National Indoor Championships that saw Joshua Fontana being selected to represent Australia at the World Cup in late 2015.

David Roberts opened the batting for Gosnells 1st grade side at the WACA in the grand final where he performed admirable against a very strong Wanneroo side. As well as captained the Combined State schools side at the WACA where we were also represented by Corey Holmes and Matthew Edwards.

Team photo at Sedbergh School - England

Kirk Verdonk at Antwerp Cricket Club – Belgian

We toured England late in term two for 3 and ½ weeks and managed to play some games in Europe (Holland and Belgium) while we there and spent a few days soaking up the culture in Paris before we headed home. We had two teams on the tour and we took in the sights and played against some of England's most prestigious and historic schools. There were some great highlights on and off the field that will be long remembered and shared for years to come. It was a real delight to tour with the boys that went and I am certain you will always remember the trip fondly.

Staff with former student and New Zealand cricketer Luke Ronchi

Well played this year everyone and I look forward to seeing you at the crease in 2016.

Cory Hugo
Cricket Coordinator

Health & Physical Education News

2015 was an extremely successful year for Health & Physical Education. With students representing the school at lightning carnivals, interschool carnivals and other sporting events, not to mention the house carnivals. The year started with the Swimming Carnival which was dominated by Gryphon, the most outstanding students from the swimming carnival represented the school at the interschool swimming carnival in which Kent Street finished 3rd out of 7 schools. We did particularly well in the relays, which is pleasing for all of the Physical Education team as relays are worth more points than any other event. Kent Street had three student champions at the Interschool Swimming carnival who earned more points than any other student in their year and they were: James Sandford Year 12, Hayden Vogels Year 10 and Catherine Frehner Year 7.

We had other outstanding teams that represented the school this year, winning their respective lightning carnivals were the Year 9 Boys Soccer, Year 9 Volleyball and the Year 8 Boys Soccer finishing as runners up. There were two specialist netball events run this year and we were able to win the intermediate age group at the Netball Carnival day which was held at the new state netball centre. All students that were involved with lightning carnivals this year conducted themselves and all others with high amounts of respect and showed exemplary behaviour to all attendees at their lightning carnivals which included other schools staff, parents and members of the wider community, students showed that they are proud to represent Kent Street SHS.

As Term 3 began so did Athletics training in all Physical Education classes, there was fantastic house spirit on display early in the term and that carried forward into the school athletics carnival. The spirits of students were not dampened by a shower just before lunch time which threatened the event, however luckily the track stayed dry and we were able to get through the whole schedule of events. Winning on the day was Gryphon, who made it 2 from 2 for the house carnivals in 2015. The students who performed the best at the carnival were selected in the interschool athletics squad and represented the school at the state athletic centre in October where we are able to finish second and gain promotion into a higher division. Students at this carnival went above and beyond what was expected of them to ensure that it was a fantastic day, not to mention some outstanding athletes. Mark Margai was awarded champion boy for his year by earning the most points for a year 7 student on the day.

A special thankyou to all the staff, students and parents who volunteered their time or found a way to assist in any event in 2015.

From all the Health and Physical Education Team.

Secondary School Scholarships for 2016

A range of scholarships that provides financial support to secondary students are available through the Department of Education.

The scholarships and criteria to be met by applicants are online - http://det.wa.edu.au/schoolsandyou/detcms/navigation/discover-the-opportunities/secondary-school-opportunities/scholarships/ and applications close at 5.30pm on Monday 14 December.

This year's process is, for the first time, fully electronic so no emailed, faxed or hard copy applications will be accepted.

Please telephone Liam Smyth on 9264 4462 or email Liam.Smyth@education.wa.edu.au if you need further information.

Upcoming Events

23/11/15 – 27/11/15	Year 10 Exam Week
23/11/15	5 Highs v Graduates Cricket match
24/12/15 – 26/11/15	Year 8 Cricket Camp - Narrogin
26/11/15	Cricket Graduation
27/11/15	Year 12 Leavers Night
27/11/15	5 Highs v Uni Cricket match
28/11/15 – 4/12/15	5 Highs Tour - Melbourne
1/12/15	P&C Meeting 6.00pm
3/12/15	Chevron Showcase
4/12/15	Year 11 final assembly – last day for Year 11's
7/12/15	Year 7 2016 Transition Day
11/12/15	Cricket Open Day
17/12/15	Final Assembly – last day for students
18/12/15 - 31/1/16	School Holidays
1/2/16	Students return to school