Welcome to the Kapunda High School Newsletter for Week 3, Term 2 2024.

The opening weeks of Term 2 have included a rich program of engaging Curriculum for students.

Key student experiences have included:

• Girls in Trades Day
• ANZAC Day Commemoration event
• Student, Parent & Teacher Interviews
• Burra Community School Staff Visit
• Scott Darlow First Nations Music, History and Education performance and workshops.

Student, Parent & Teacher Interviews

On Tuesday Week 2 we had Learning Conversations across all year levels. Learning Conversations are valuable discussions to reflect on progress, acknowledge achievement and plan for future learning. The evening was well attended by students and parents/caregivers with our highest engagement on-record in recent years. We welcome and thank Parents and Caregivers for the constructive partnership with teachers, to enhance students’ learning. This is a key part for students’ learning and continued success. Please communicate with subject teachers around any learning queries you may have.

Burra CS Visit Monday 6/5

On Monday of Week 2 we hosted a visit from Burra Community School staff. This was an opportunity to showcase and share ideas across our school for mutual staff professional learning. The visit was enriching for all involved, including highlights across the Middle-School, Senior-School, Wellbeing Centre, Learning Support Centre and Design & Technology. 

Whole School Assembly

On Friday of Week 2 we held our first whole school assembly for Term 2. The event included recognition and celebration of student sporting awards from over Term 1 competitions. The SRC also hosted student activities which were well received by the whole student group.

Governing Council Meeting

Our next Governing Council meeting is scheduled for the evening Tuesday 21st May.

At the meeting we will be discussing a number of items to continue progressing our school. This includes dialogue around our School Improvement planning, such as Achievement, Attendance and Behaviour lift strategies as well as long-term planning for the growth and advancement of our school.

Let’s keep working together to ensure an environment where every young person can learn, grow, achieve and strive for their best.

David Marino

Principal

Open Day Sunday, 19th May 2pm-4pm

Governing Council Meeting Tuesday, 21st May (T2W4)

We would like to welcome our new canteen manager Deb Koodrin.

She comes with a lot of experience and knowledge of food and catering, having owned and operated her own Café and Catering businesses.

Deb’s first day was Monday 13th May, so please make her feel welcome.

This is a busy role and we ask everyone to please be patient and supportive of Deb as she gets to find her feet and know our students, staff and community at Kapunda High School.

Please make her feel welcome and we wish her all the best for the year.

Kapunda High is excited to be offering the opportunity to host a Japanese student in early term 3. The students are coming from Tokyo and are affiliated with Meiji University. Here is a link to some information in English about the schools:

They will be in Australia for the last week of July and the first week of August. Exact dates will be confirmed soon.

The benefits of hosting a student are:

• building a connection with another culture,
• creating the opportunity to build friendships, 
• support with a Working with Children Check,
• and a small allowance to fund the homestay.

You will also have access to 24/7 support. Homestay families are responsible for providing a bed (shared room is fine) and meals. Kapunda High School organises two excursions: one to the Gorge Wildlife Park and Whispering Wall and the second excursion is to the Central Market and South Australian Museum. If you are interested in hosting a Japanese student please contact Scott Durand, the Japanese teacher at Kapunda High via email (scott.durand752@schools.sa.edu.au) or via phone 8566 2203.

Scott Durand

Japanese Teacher

The Year 7 and 8 Art classes created a temporary mural in the A building last week. The students viewed and discussed the artworks created by Jen Stark and used this as inspiration to create a colourful, collaborative artwork. Jen Stark is an American artist from Los Angeles who is inspired by natural processes, looking at plant growth, fractals and sacred geometries to inform her work. The students created their own ‘tile,’ by selecting a colour scheme and then drawing an organic shape, with the shape growing with each colour layer added. Special thanks goes to Liana Grey and Piper Wunderlich with the help of Tahlia Humble, Sian Reidy-Baldwin, Bella Johnson and Greta Schupelius who were the main students to arrange and install the artwork on the wall. Well done to the students involved, the mural brings some colour and life to the school environment.

Jen Ahrens

Art Teacher

On Wednesday, 15th May, KHS was again privileged to receive a visit from Musician, Educator and Public Speaker Scott Darlow. Scott performed several songs, including his cover of Solid Rock, and his original music at a whole school assembly. He also ran a series of workshops for classes, sharing insights from his experiences, cultural stories and songs. It was great to hear Scott share his knowledge of First Nations culture, Australian history, racial tolerance, harmony and important social matters.

Monday 6th May saw 30 year 7-10 girls have the opportunity to work alongside Tradeswomen in the schools Trade Training Centre. This opportunity was provided by SALT - an organisation Supporting and Linking Tradeswomen.

The students were able to discuss with the Tradeswomen their personal journeys, learn new skills and how to use a variety of tools to create a small caddy of their own. During the session the Trade centre was buzzing with activity with the students focussed on the task at hand across the 4-hour session.

I am hoping that this serves to promote that the schools Doorways to Constructions programs and that pathways exist for females in Construction.

Well done to the students involved, feedback was positive with all enjoying the experience. This is something that KHS will run again next year for any students that were not able to participate this year.

Jason Keep

Assistant Principal

Pathways

On Wednesday 1st May, the Year 10 Geography class went on an excursion to various locations along the Adelaide Metropolitan Coastline. They visited several beaches, including Semaphore, Tennyson Dunes, West Beach, and Glenelg. Students were able to apply the knowledge they had been learning in the classroom, and the weather was perfect for the occasion.

The majority of students have received their jumpers now – and they look fantastic! Thanks to the families for their support whilst we waited for the jumpers to arrive.

Long Home Group – Reminder that Long Home Group on Monday and Friday, no students have approved Home Study and should be present for all. This term we will be going through a variety of topics, including:

• ADF Long Tan Leadership & Innovators awards – Applications close June 21st.
• The work world – Jason Keep (Careers/Vet Assistant Principal) will be presenting to the students about how finding work after school could look.
• University/TAFE visits
• Barossa Regional University Campus – Mrs Hayley Laney (previous KHS teacher) will be coming to chat to the group about opportunities at the Barossa campus.

Along with other wellbeing activities in between these.

Students have completed a survey about their Term 1 report and how they will look to improve.

Megan Samain

Year 12 Year Level Manager

The Year 12 Sports Studies class visited Murraylands Aquatic Centre in week completing one of their practical tasks. They did a variety of Kayaking and Sailing over the 3 days. The weather was perfect for some time on the river. The students received a practical grade for their skills on the water and then will complete a written component over the next few weeks.  

Although there were some tired faces, I’m sure they all loved the experience!

Thanks to Mark Leslie and Blake Launer for driving the bus for us.

Megan Samain

Sports Studies Teacher

Recently, students participating in Bee Club were able to wear the new suits, and conduct a visual inspection of the flow hives.

Cows Create Careers

This term, the Year 9 Agriculture Class is participating in the Cows Create Careers Program. Students have been bottle-feeding and looking after two dairy calves.

Thank you to Jaime Nietschke for supporting us this year with the program, and talking to the students about your farm and experiences within the dairy industry.

On Monday, 1st May, the Year 10 Space and Astronomy class, along with Ms Coombs and Mr Raschella, had an excursion to the Adelaide Planetarium.
Students thoroughly enjoyed their time at the planetarium, and came away from the experience with much to ponder.