19 June 2019

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal’s Desk

I am very happy to be writing my first newsletter article, in my new role as Principal of Kent Street. Being three weeks into the position, I am grateful for this opportunity that has arisen as Kath Ward has accepted a job at Central Office as Director of Public School Accountability for at least the next twenty months. I am excited by the prospect of learning new skills and helping our school to continue to move forward and create the best possible learning outcomes for our students. Attending meetings with members of our School Board, P & C, Kentian Foundation and Rotary College is enabling me to understand issues to assist me to work effectively with staff, students and parents.

Term 2 always seems to take place at cracking pace and there has been some important events thus far. I should also mention the fabulous ANZAC Service on the last day of term 1, that was widely acknowledged for the quality of the program and the exemplary behaviour of the students. The first three weeks of this term had an academic focus with year 12 general studies students completing the Externally Set Tasks (EST’s), while our year 7 and 9 students completed their NAPLAN tests for the first time ever Online. As with any major new testing practice it was not without some issues, with some connectivity matters occurring with the writing test. All students effected had the opportunity to re-sit a hand written test and this was taken up by some students. We will eagerly await the NAPLAN results later this year and use this data to assist students in any areas of need. Our upper school students also completed semester one exams, which for our year 11 students is their first experience of such nature, I hope that they have looked closely at their results and work with their teachers, to focus on strategies to strengthen skills in this area in the future

The list of activities that our students have participated in during the term is numerous including excursions to the RAAFA Aviation Museum, Bentley Pines Restaurant, Channel 9 studios, Japanese restaurant. Our Aboriginal students will visit Curtin University as part of the AIME program and are currently busy preparing for the upcoming NAIDOC week celebrations in the last week of term.

Camps have again been a focus this term with a Fashion and Design lower school trip to Ern Halliday, in Sorrento, a year 10 Outdoor Education expedition that places students outside their comfort zone and CoRE Field trips to explore and study the wonders of the northern parts of our state. Finally, culminating with a Cricket tour to the UK, and the chance to play against other schools and have the wonderful opportunity to see the Australian team play in a World Cup match. I am sure that all students who have attended these camps are appreciative of the efforts of our staff in planning, organising and supervising these events.

In week 7 our year 10 students were involved in an incursion at school focusing on Driver Education. This was an interactive program that involved students moving to different activities including hazards, distractions and risk, stopping distances, looking after your car and finally hearing from a crash survivor. This program is made available to us through the Vic Park Rotary Club, who sponsor the event, to enable our students to see the importance of road safety, prior to them becoming drivers themselves.

The Student Services team are giving students the chance to participate in a Reward activity also this term. Students who have maintained good standing by completing school work, attending regularly and displaying our PBS behaviours will have the chance to participate in either ice skating, bowling or the movies. Students need to have zero unexplained absences to attend and parents can rectify this if needed by contacting the school absentee line on 0407 386 333 or sending a note to school to home room teachers.

Now that the wet weather has arrived can I remind parents to ensure that your child has the appropriate school uniform to wear. Student Services provide a clothes library that allows students to swap or borrow items for the day, but have been running low due to high demand over the past few weeks. You can assist us to maintain our high standard of uniform by working with your child each day to ensure they comply with the school dress code.

Finally, all students will receive their semester one reports this term based on their performance over the past two terms. I urge parents to focus especially on the comments from teachers that will point out your child’s strengths, level of participation and focus clearly on improvement strategies, to assist them to move forward. Parents of students in years 10 to 12 have the chance to meet with teachers on our Parent Night on July 3, from 1 to 6 pm. I would encourage all parents and caregivers to take up this opportunity.

Craig Lynch
Principal

From the Manager Corporate Services

Payment of Contributions and Charges

Thank you to those families who have paid their 2019 Voluntary Contributions and Charges.

Reminders were sent out in May.

Our collection rate for Year 7-10 Voluntary Contributions currently stands at 64%. The collection rate for Year 7-12 compulsory charges is 57%. Without your assistance in paying the Voluntary Contributions and Charges, we are not able to provide the best possible educational outcomes for our students.

WARNING: The school uses a debt collection agency.

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. Unpaid compulsory charges are referred to our debt collection agency in February each year.

Non-payment of Specialist Program charges may result in the student being removed from the program.

The school offers a variety of payment options:

• Qkr app (preferred online payment method), cash, cheque, EFTPOS including credit card facilities (credit card payments are also able to be phoned through).
• 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)
• BPay: Code and reference are listed on account statements
• Arrange a payment plan. If you have any queries or would like to set up a payment plan, please contact the Finance Officer – Julianne Vaitekenas on 9262 0500.

Canteen News

Feast your eyes on the delectable menu items on sale daily at the school canteen. Pre-ordering is recommended!

Aviation Testing

Students from years 7 to 10 with a passion for Aviation are invited to apply to Kent Street for the Kent Street Approved Specialist Program - Aviation.

In addition to their core curriculum, students will study aeronautics, principles of flight, rockets, drones, space flight, with associated aspects of engineering, mechanics and robotics. This is an approved specialist program with prospective students being required to sit an entrance aptitude test.

The aptitude test

Monday 1 July 2019 commencing at 8.15am and students will be ready for pick up at 10.30am. The venue for the test is the Aviation Education Centre, Kent Street Senior High School (Corner Lansdowne Road & Rathay Streets, East Victoria Park)

Entry Requirements

In order to be granted a place in the Aviation program students should be able to demonstrate:

A genuine interest in aviation.

Satisfactory academic performance. School reports, references and personal qualities of the applicant will be considered in determining acceptance into the program.

Complete and submit an Expression of Interest form PRIOR to testing - download here

Enclose a copy of the last 2 school reports with your application form.

Year 10 - 12 Parent Teacher Interviews

The Year 10 - 12 Parent Teacher afternoon has been scheduled for Wednesday 3 July 2019 from 1.00pm to 6.00pm to give parents the opportunity to discuss their child's progress with teachers. The school will have an early close, with all students finishing at 12.30pm, with all school buses running as usual leaving at 12.45pm.

Details of login and booking instructions have been emailed to Year 10 - 12 parents with access to the booking system available from 8.00am Monday 24 June 2019.

Year 10 student Ana Cana Machado

Ana was selected into the Western Australian black under 15 Girls Hockey team. Congratulations Ana!

Hospitality

As part of the Certificate II in Hospitality students complete a unit called Serve Food and Beverage. This involves setting tables for fine dining and serving guest’s meals. In preparation for the completion of this unit and as a reward for all of their hard work in Cafe4teen run for the staff on a Thursday recess and more recently a Breakfast club on Friday mornings before school, the year 12 class went to Bentley Pines Training Restaurant to observe others serving them whilst enjoying lunch together. A three-course meal was shared in a formal setting with hours of lively conversation on Monday the 20 May 2019.

Our excursion ended with an informative guided walk-through of the many teaching spaces and commercial kitchens on the campus. TAFE students were at work in the kitchens preparing for the evening service at the Pines Restaurant and completing practical cooking tasks for their Certificate and Diploma courses.

Modern History Camp

On the weekend of April 5 - 8, the Year 11/12 Modern History class adventured to Albany on the school bus. It was a long ride along the Muir Highway but many songs were sung (or yelled) along the way. We arrived at the camp, ate dinner, and played possibly the longest UNO game ever.

The next day, we visited the Gap and Natural Bridge, the National ANZAC Centre, the Whaling Station and the Wildlife Park. At the ANZAC Centre we were given a card that allowed us to follow the journey of an individual who had left from Albany in World War One. We also had an opportunity to wander around the site and see some World War One bunkers and weapons. At the Whaling Station we were given a tour before we all had a play on the whaling ship. We watched a movie and had some snacks.

The next day, we drove all the way to Walpole to see the Tree Top Walk and took photos in the Tingle Trees. The highest point was 80m above the ground and despite some people having a fear of heights, everyone managed to complete the walk. The ride back was accompanied by a stop in Denmark, where Miss Rowe got us various baked goods. We went back to camp and watched an RSL service memorialising the servicemen who died in Albany on their return from the war. Ayesha and Alex laid a wreath on our behalf. Afterwards we went for a walk to see the wrecked whaling ship near camp and after cleaning and packing, went out to dinner in Albany town. There was a brief religious experience for all who tried the hummus!

Ensued a series of unfortunate events in which the bus broke down. However, the Busy Blue Bus company saved us. The bus drove us back to camp after a long night of laughs about the broken down bus. The next morning, we drove our loan bus back into town again and we were met with a massive 50 seater. She was a BIG bus. She really was BIG. And luxurious. We were all impressed because we’d been on a tiny bus until then. The bus ride back was very comfortable with everyone having a few seats to themselves. There were a few naps taken and only one stop in Williams for lunch. We all arrived back in Perth that evening, quite tired, and excited to be home. All in all, the Albany trip was fun and interesting. The History class thanks Miss Rowe and Mr Garven for the opportunity and it will fuel our stories for many years to come.

Abbey Bishop
Year 12 Student

Year 10 Student Teal McKay

Teal has recently been selected into the Boomerang National Aboriginal Football team for 2019. Congratulations Teal!

Year 8 and 9 Fashion Camp

The year 8 and 9 Fashion students have just returned from a very successful camp at Ern Halliday in Hillarys. Students enjoyed a range of activities and used the time effectively to finish off class projects. Donated police uniform fabric was used to make wrap pants and tops which the students embellished and decorated. A walk to check out the fashions at Hillarys marina was popular with the students and gave them a welcome break from class work. The camp concluded with a visit to the Kylie Minogue costume exhibition in Fremantle.

The exhibition was a chance for students to see the whole design process from original ideas to finished design. This included all drawings, construction and fitting and then accessories that were added to the design. Whilst at the exhibition the students started a project on their favourite clothes in the exhibition.

Neo Rock Concert – Gearing up for the big shows

Preparations have been underway over the last six months for the Neo Rock Concert Series. This event will be happening on the 26th and 27th of June. Parents and friends are invited to attend the two-night time performances at 6.30pm, as the daytime matinees shows will be in front of Kent Street Senior High School students and feeder primary school students.

Neo will involve Music, Dance, Circus, Photography, Media, Arts and Fashion students, all combining their talents into four big shows. The theme of Neo is NEON, bright uv lights, artworks, photography will decorate the walls, and ultra violet face painting will be available for all performers and audience if they choose. We have just received a consignment of lighting truss from China, so it will look quite spectacular. The talented chefs from Cafe4teen will be attending, and will be selling drinks and food for the night-time performances.

Tickets are $10 adults, $7.50 concession, and $5 students. Family tickets can be arranged at the door. Tickets can be prebooked online through the link below. So, bring down all your fluro gear, and get into the party vibe at NEO. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Mr Sanderco
Music Department

Year 12 EES Yilgarn Field Trip

Our 2019 Year 12 Earth and Environmental students set off on their last field trip in late February. Travelling across the Yilgarn Carton they applied their classroom learning of deep earth processes at various outcrops, mine sites and geo-heritage sites on a 2000 km round journey.

Here are some of their experiences:

‘‘WOW’ what a field trip! You learn something new every day, and over the past 4 days, I’ve learnt and encountered new concepts and understandings out in the real world. This helped support my understanding and knowledge of a whole year’s worth of work. Relating back to the theory learnt in class over the past years and applying it to real world examples, and finally having a better understanding of the processes that took place, is quite satisfying. These field trips don’t just give me the opportunity to improve my knowledge and understanding of Earth Sciences, but also gives me that added boost and the extra confidence of what it’s like in the real work force.”

James Fox

“The Yilgarn Craton showcases some amazing phenomena. Field trips are a great way to understand what you are learning in class and put it into real context. This Yilgarn Craton has taught me, in detail both sides of this course, from Environmental Science, that of dryland salinity and environmental impacts of mining to Earth Science of the formation of batholiths and ore deposits.”

Emily Farr

Roy Hill ROC-Ed Launch 2019

In February, our Year 8 CoRE students were invited to help Roy Hill launch their 2019 ROC-Ed program with WA Chief Scientist, Mr Peter Klinken, WesTrac Chief Executive, Mr Jarvis Croome and Senior Management from across the Roy Hill Mining Team. Our students were the first to operate a CAT 994H wheel loader simulator, that now joins a large selection of other activities to introduce students to the mining cycle and raise awareness of the diverse career opportunities within the industry. Students were also taken on a virtual processing facility tour of the companies Roy Hill Pilbara operation, made financial and management decisions through the mining game (setting a new profit record) and programmed autonomous mining vehicles with Roy Hill’s tech team. This term students have been able to translate this experience into bioengineering their own robotic miner as part of their CoRE project based curriculum.

Year 11 EES Shark Bay Field Trip

At the end of term 1, our Year 11 Earth and Environmental group set off on the annual Shark Bay Field Trip, with the intention this year to experience a first, snorkelling with the stromatolites within the Hamelin Pool nature reserve. What an adventure it was! From the fossilised coral reefs of Dongara, the Coal Seams of the Irwin River National, turquoise waters of the Shark Bay World Heritage Site and dusty red cliffs of the Peron Sandstone, this field trip is truly inspiring and world class.

“My favorite stops on this field trip was a mix of Coal Seam, Skipjack Point and swimming with the stromatolites. Skipjack Point was when I really came to the realisation of how much the world is like a classroom and how much it suits my style of learning.”

Karryn Buller

CME Inspiring Girls Careers Event

A big thankyou to our CoRE Educator Ms Steph Ludekens for organising the opportunity for all of our Year 10 CoRE girls to attend this year’s Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) Inspiring Girls event at the Perth Convention Centre. Not only does this event provide our female students with career and pathway information, but moreover, affords them the opportunity to build their networks and seek mentorship from women working within the industry. Kent Street has been attending this event for a number of years and continues to produce a strong alumni of past female students, that go on to study and work within the resources sector.

Ms Ludekens is currently organising the boys ‘Get Into Resources’ event this month and has also helped three Aboriginal students at Kent Street secure or retain scholarships through the Chevron Powering Careers Program. The scholarship offers financial assistance, career opportunities and mentoring. All of our Aboriginal students that meet the age criteria are encouraged to apply each year and we thank Ms Ludekens for her hard work in facilitating this opportunity.

Data Science Week Careers Event – Pawsey Supercomputer

During Data Science Week in early May, 25 of our Year 10 CoRE and Upper School EES students had the opportunity to attend a careers night hosted at the World Class Pawsey Supercomputing Centre in Technology Park, Kensington. Throughout the evening they heard from some inspiring researchers and industry experts, that are working within the evolving fast data workspace.

AMEC Industry Convention – Next Generation Mining

Well done to our amazing CoRE students who presented their project based learning and innovative solutions to over 200 industry professionals at the 2019 ‘Next Generation Mining’ AMEC Convention on the 5th and 6th of June. The delegates and investors that attended the convention were completely amazed by your application of emerging commodities to the renewable resources sector and your investigation of interstellar and intra-planetary concept mining. With many commenting that your presentation was the ‘highlight of the day, highlight of the convention’.

I admire your willingness to put yourself forward and could not be prouder in the manner that you showcase what our program is all about; collaboration, diversity, commitment, diversity and innovation! Well done on achieving such an amazing accolade at such a young age!

Ms Booth

Coming Up in CoRE

July

1 July - Prof. Lisa Harvey Smith – Pathways to STEM Equity Tour. Register online for this free event and be inspired by Australia’s Ambassador for Women in STEM.

To attend this event, please register using the event brite invitation. This event is open to all; parents, students and all community members. It is your opportunity to have your say about STEM learning and what it means to the Australian career landscape beyond 2025.

The Women in STEM Decadal Plan is a federal initiative and Kent Street CoRE is an integral component of this document and its subsequent implementation. Please see link below.

2 July - CoRE Resources Challenge (over 300 primary school mentored through a day of resources based challenges by our CoRE students)

4 July - CoRE Year 8 Kalgoorlie Field Trip and WASM Showcase

August

Busselton Peddle Prix Human Powered Vehicle Competition

September

Year 11 and 12 EES Australian Exploration Geologist Conference

Year 10 CoRE Field Trip

TTC – Table Tennis tables

Under the expert guidance of Mr Ben Thurstun, students from our Certificate II Engineering pathways course, have been hard at work designing and constructing, four new metal Table Tennis tables for students at Kent Street. These structures are permanent and will not succumb to the elements, and have been an instant success, as students can enjoy playing games before school, recess and lunch breaks and at the end of the day. Teachers have also been able to utilize the tables in their teaching curriculum with students in year 12 PE Studies, using the facilities in their practical skills. These magnificent tables would not have been possible without the assistance of our industry partner BGC, and their assistance in supplying materials at a greatly reduced cost, saving the school thousands of dollars. Even transporting these incredibly heavy items to their official place was an enormous project, that Mr Thurstun and his team did with precision excellence. This project is yet another example of the quality work that the Curtin Trade Training Centre is producing for the benefit of all our students.

Year 10/11 play – Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead

We are hard at work rehearsing for the Year 10/11 play of Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead.

Don't forget to contact our Administration on (08) 9262 0500 to buy $8 tickets.

Shows:

Thursday 20/06/19 @ 6:30pm
Friday 21/06/19 @ 6:30pm

Japanese students visiting Kent Street – help needed

Our school is seeking assistance from parents and caregivers to accommodate visiting Japanese students at the end of July. If you have a spare room or mattress, your help would be most appreciated. To help you with meal expenses a payment will be made to your family to assist with the costs of meals.

Hosting a student is a great opportunity to learn about another culture and build friendships. The students are looking to practice their English and observe an Australian school.

For more information or questions, please contact Ruth Tateishi. ruth.tateishi@education.wa.edu.au or 9262 0500. Feel free to leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Ruth Tateishi
Japanese Teacher

Adolescent support services - Where to go for help?

Kids Helpline is a free, private and confidential telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25 years. You can phone the helpline anytime on 1800 55 1800, or visit the website at:

ReachOut.com is an online mental health organisation for young people, providing practical support with a range of youth issues not just limited to mental health but also sexual health, relationships, abuse, cyber-bullying, body image, drug use and more. This website is suitable for students, parents and health professionals and provides links to emergency counselling, resources and useful tips.

Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds, along with assistance in promoting young peoples’ wellbeing. This covers four core areas: mental health, physical health, work and study support and alcohol and other drug services. Go to:

YouthBeyondBlue aims to equip young people with the knowledge and skills to maintain their own good mental health and wellbeing and to help recognise symptoms in people close to them. An online chat service and 24 hour telephone support line is available to assist young people to find the help they need. Go to the Youth Beyond Blue website below or call 1300 22 4636.

YouthLink is a Perth based service that assists young people, aged 13-24 years of age, who experience difficulties with their emotional or social well-being. It is a free and confidential counselling service, with experienced support workers who are friendly, non-judgemental and understanding. Free interpreting can be arranged to assist with communication if required. YouthLink is located at 223 James St, Northbridge or you can phone 1300 362 569 or visit:

You can also discuss any problems you may be having with your GP or the Student Services team at school.

Curtin University Scholarships 2020

Scholarships for students looking at enrolling at Curtin University in 2020 open on 21st July 2019 (Curtin Open Day).

There are a number of scholarships available to support students from all backgrounds to realise their potential.

For further information, please visit:

Town of Victoria Park

Are you aged 12 – 25 years? Consider joining our Community Sounding Board. This is your chance to represent young people in our Town and help shape its future direction.

We’ll be asking your opinion on a range of issues, such as upcoming projects and plans in our Town. We’ll be sure to keep it fun, plus you may event meet some new friends.

Sound like you? Email us at yourthoughts@vicpark.wa.gov.au for more info!

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