Term 4 Week 2

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

A very warm welcome back to all students and staff. I trust you had an enjoyable break and found some time to engage with those activities that you enjoy. It is hard to believe that it is October already and we are almost at the end of another school year, albeit a very different one again for us all.  This week we had our final full school assembly for the year and farewelled our Year 12 students.  The assembly was an opportunity to recognise the achievement of students in a wide range of areas across the school.  There were achievements in Sport, The Arts and other events including our Tournament of Minds teams and the ‘Write a Book in a Day’ competitors.

Student Council

There are no prefects or school captains at Kimberley College. All students are encouraged to display leadership.  Each year students are offered the opportunity to serve on the Student Representative Council.  In addition, each year an Executive Committee is elected by students and staff to represent the students’ voice in the decision making processes of the school.  This year, like so many things, has been difficult for our Student Council however they have achieved several successful initiatives including leading our school assemblies, a successful campaign for the World’s Greatest Shave fundraiser, planning for the upcoming Formal and ensuring the flags are proudly displayed at the front of our campus.  I want to take this opportunity to farewell and congratulate the Year 12 Student Council Representatives.   I want to especially thank the Executive Committee, Kasey Anderson, Sam Carlyle and Tiana Stalley.  They have done an admirable job in serving the KC community.

Graduation Events

Planning is well underway for our various Graduation events to commemorate and celebrate the 2021 school year.

The details of each event are outlined below:

Senior School Graduation

Wednesday 17 November at Sleemans Sports Complex commencing at 6pm

Primary School Graduation

Tuesday 23 November at the College commencing at 9am

Middle School Graduation

Thursday 25 November at Sleemans Sports Complex commencing at 6pm

Further details and booking information for these events will be sent closer to the events.

Glenn Johnson - Principal

Deputy Principal's Message

We are absolutely thrilled to have Paul Dillon with us – albeit virtually from NSW - for our final Invictus Wellbeing presentations of the year.  Paul has been working in the area of drug education for more than 25 years. Through his own business, Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA) he has been contracted by many agencies and organisations across the country to give regular updates on current drug trends within the community. He continues to work with many school communities across the country to ensure that they have access to good quality information and best practice drug education.

He has worked extensively with a range of sporting organisations including the Australian Cricketers Association, the Rugby Union Players Association and the Football Federation of Australia to provide training workshops to elite athletes on a range of alcohol and other drug issues. In 2009 his best-selling book for parents was published titled ‘Teenagers, Alcohol and Drugs and has since been released internationally, being translated into a number of languages. With a broad knowledge of a range of content areas, Paul regularly provides media comment and is regarded as a key social commentator in Australia, appearing on a wide range of television programs including Sunrise, TODAY and The Project discussing topical issues.  Paul also had a regular spot on a national radio program on Triple J for seven years where he dealt with current youth drug issues. Paul also has a blog where he discusses topical issues of the day, as well as addressing some of the questions and queries he is regularly asked by those attending his presentations.

Whilst at Kimberley College (virtually) this term, Paul will present to staff, senior school students and parents/carers across 8 – 9 November.  The focus of the parent/carer presentation will be vaping.  Vaping (the use of electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes or ‘vapes’) has become a growing issue for many parents across the country. Vaping is a new phenomenon, with the first e-cigarette being invented in 2003. There continues to be a debate around whether the use of these devices can assist smokers quit their habit or are simply a ‘gateway’ to smoking for young people. As such, when teens are confronted when caught with these devices they can be met with comments like “But it’s only vaping” or “At least I’m not smoking” and parents have little or no idea how to respond. This parent/carer session will provide up-to-date and accurate information on the use of e-cigarettes and vaping, as well as some possible responses that parents can use should their child attempt to challenge them in the vaping area.

To secure your virtual seat, please follow  the below link.

The event will will take place on Monday 8th November 2021, 6.00pm - 7.30pm.

We look forward to seeing you then.

Janine Parkinson - Deputy Principal

Senior School Update

Year 12 students as of Monday 18October now enter the external assessment (EA) phase in Term 4. Monday to Thursday that week is independent study at home for those students in General subjects who will have EA’s commencing on Friday 22 October. All Year 12 students are only required to attend school if they have an EA. The students as of Friday 22 October will then sit up to eleven EA’s in a three week and three day period with the mathematics and science subject assessments contributing 50% to the student’s exit scores and the other subjects 25%. Some would wish the students luck with their tests, but I know luck is only a necessity for the unprepared. Stay diligent Year 12 General subject students. Continue to prepare and practice. There are no short cuts to success. Eat well, enjoy some exercise, and get lots of sleep. I will be sending an email out to you at the start of next week reminding you of the EA schedule and the equipment you must bring with you. I will also remind you that those students who are yet to show me their QTAC applications should do so in the next few weeks.

The Year 12 students who are not sitting the EA’s should be using their time in the next few weeks to be applying for places at TAFE, other higher learning institutions or employment, setting yourselves up for next year. I have been pleased to learn in the last couple of weeks of the success students are having in being offered apprenticeships or at least progressing up through what can be an extended interview process. Some of the prime apprenticeships such as electrotechnology (becoming an electrician) with the big generation, network or commercial providers are extremely competitive with hundreds and sometimes over a thousand applicants for only several positions. To be successful in that endeavour is as noteworthy as gaining placement in highly competitive university programs, so congratulations to those students.

After the EA’s are completed in Week 7, the final week for Year 12 consists of the Senior Awards night & graduation ceremony of Wednesday 17 November (parent’s and carers - don’t forget to book your tickets), the senior formal on Thursday 18 November and a final day BBQ lunch and humiliating defeat in the annual Year 12 v teachers water fight on Friday.

Year 11 have already commenced their Unit 3 studies across all subjects. Not only does Unit 3 & 4 contribute to their QCE but Exit scores on senior statements are based purely on the Unit 3 & 4 results as are ATARs. NOW is the time to get serious about showing what you are capable of and about building options for yourself beyond school, whether that is university, a prime apprenticeship or that dream job. As I advised you in the auditorium recently, regret is a terrible thing, looking back over your shoulder at what might have been means you often miss what is right in front of you. You may not always be able to control outcomes, but you always have control over effort. Put in your best effort, and most likely the best possible outcomes follow.

The same applies to Year 10 who now have their Unit 1 timetables and will commence their QCE studies as of next week. The work you do from that point on, your industry, attitude and commitment all count towards your QCE. Please read the QCE explanatory notes sent with your Term 3 report card. You must achieve at a sound standard or better and have minimal subject changes if any. It’s not hard, it just requires doing a little bit often, showing maturity, being organised and paying attention. Year 10, you are now beginning the journey that Year 12 is finishing. What options would you like to have on offer to you in two years’ time?

Chris McAlpine - Deputy Principal / Senior School Coordinator

Mabo Update

This time of year is always bittersweet for the senior Mabo teachers. Especially since we have to say goodbye to our graduating classes, and in some instances, the classes we’ve had for three years since our 2021 year 12s were also our first year 10 Mabo cohort. While we always wish them the best as they make the remainder of their preparations for their external exams on their own, we know they don’t need wishes – they’ll do great. The 2021 cohort of Mabo seniors are a mature, intelligent, kind and dare I say it – courageous and compassionate class. They provided a fantastic model to the younger grades in learning and studying graciously. The Mabo staffroom all wish to say a combined goodbye and thank you to our Philosophy and Reason teacher, Ms. Tavio, who very generously stepped up and provided a great deal of support and professionalism throughout the entire year. She embodied so much of what our school's spirit and culture is, in the short time she was with us. 

We now look towards the future as the baton of leadership passes down to our year 11 cohort who are beginning their Unit 3 work. These students have big shoes to fill, and we look forward to supporting them in that endeavour. They too are shaping up to fulfill great things in 2022.

Meanwhile, the year 10s excitedly begin their first steps towards their graduation as they pick the final subjects they intend on graduating from. New teachers, new lessons and new topics await…

The Mabo teachers look forward to proudly clapping the graduating class of 2021 off on graduation evening – which will be the next time we see them.

Keep up the hard work,

Jordan Smith - Head of Mabo

Middle School Update

Term Four 2021... the end of another year! We encourage the students to make this term their best term of the year. We want students to give their all right up until the last day. This term promises to be a full one! We have dance specialists joining us on a Monday, First Nations artists conducting a workshop with our students, Year Seven debates, Thursday Extras, our Year Nines finishing their time in Middle School, saying farewell to the Year 12s, Rounders tournaments, Graduation and end of term celebrations. All of those amazing opportunities to play, create and celebrate AND a full and exciting curriculum exploring the theme POWER!  

This week, we welcomed two local First Nations artists to the college to work with a few of our Middle School students for the day.  During the session they learnt about the cultural elements behind artworks that First Nations people create and how we can participate in and create paintings that respectfully embrace our First Nations people’s beliefs and culture.  Our Middle School artists will now share the valuable information they gained with their peers as we embark on our Visual Art unit this term.  We would like to thank Miss Roya for organising this special opportunity for our students.

We would also like to take this opportunity to flashback to Term Three and CELEBRATE and CONGRATULATE the incredible efforts, energy and success of all the Middle School boats during our Sof-Crosse tournament. All teams played their hearts out and gave their all as they worked to be the best.  It was a nail-biting competition and in the end, all boats were on the edge of their seats as they cheered the two final teams - Barada and Maikulan - to victory.   It was an incredibly close game but in the end,

MAIKULAN emerged victorious as the CHAMPIONS of the 2021 Sof-Crosse Tournament.  

We love our end of term tournaments and look forward to another competitive competition as we learn about and train for the Rounders competition this term. 

Kimberley College’s unique learning style affords us, as Middle School teachers, the opportunity to develop strong connections with the students in our boat. We have loved learning, laughing, playing, dancing, creating, painting, running and growing alongside these students this year. We look forward to an exciting learning adventure this term as well as the opportunity to celebrate our Year Nines as they prepare to leave us and move on to the next phase of their learning journey. 

Primary School Update

Welcome to Term Four!  What an exciting term we have planned in the Primary School.  We have already started the term with a bang with visitors, events, swimming lessons and camp to name a few.  We are all very excited for the term ahead.

This term in Kokomini, the students will be exploring the theme ‘What Lies Beneath’.  They have already started their pirate adventures and look forward to searching for treasure with Captain Blackbottom as the term progresses.  Kokowara is looking at the theme ‘Windows to the World’ in Term Four.  They will be exploring creative writing and storying telling, measurement and mapping and mini science lessons to name a few. The theme in Waka Waka this term is ‘Creatures Great and Small’.  The Waka students will dive into the land of animals – from the smallest of small to the great and tall. ‘The Great Escape’ is the Gubbi Gubbi theme for Term Four.   The students will be covering data and statistics, geography and natural disasters.  They will also participate in a final Rich Task that will serve as a cross curricular endeavour where students participate in challenges that require them to support their teammates, and work to capitalise and identify each other’s strengths.  The ultimate ‘Great Escape’ will come as our year 6 students finish up their time in Primary School and begin their next chapter in Middle School.

Kokomini News

There was no better way to begin Term Four and immerse into our theme of ‘What Lies Beneath’ than with a ‘Pirate Training Day’.  The Kokominis came dressed as pirates and they walked the plank, practised throwing bean bags on ‘x’ marks the spot, and even got to play with slime and sea creatures and learn about the ocean zones.  The students are very excited to hear from Captain Blackbottom, our resident pirate, to see if they passed their training day and whether they will be able to help find Captain Blackbottom’s hidden treasure.  We shall keep you posted! The week ended with a splash as we all went to our first swimming lesson and had so much fun, not only swimming but travelling on the bus all together for the first time this year!

Kokomini Teachers

Waka Waka Camp

On Thursday 14^th October the Waka Waka students and teachers braved the rain and thunderstorm predictions and ventured off to their first school camp.  The camp was held at PGL Kindilan Adventure Camp at Mt Cotton.  Luckily, the skies cleared up and we were able to enjoy two great days of camp activities including canoeing, low ropes, flying fox and team building games.  And although we all missed our families, we had a great night at the disco and survived a night away from home.  We look forward to hearing the wonderful camp stories that the students will come home with. 

Primary Assemblies

We will be having our Primary assemblies on the ODD WEEKS of this term. 

Assembly Schedule Term 4 dates and presenting class:

Week 1 - 8th October    AUSKICK presentation

Week 3 - 22nd October     Waka Waka (camp reflection)

Week 5 - 5th November     Gubbi Gubbi

Week 7 - 19th November     Kokomini and Kokowara

Assembly starts at 8:45am.  Unfortunately, due to the restricted room in the Green Space, we are unable to invite parents at this time. 

We wish to congratulate the following student who received a KC Attitude Award at our first assembly this term.  Well done, Ruby Russo, Luka Freeman, Oliver Saunders, Lachlan Dickens, Flynn McDondald, Maggie Reid, Zayde Carr-LePla, Lochlan Longhurst, Zahli Burdon, Sahara Jonata, Miles Sutherland, Oliver Scott and Lilly - Jean Parker. 

A Few Reminders:

Curriculum Overviews for each class should have been sent home via email last week.  If you have not received it, please contact Miss Shepherdson at kristy.shepherdson@kimberley.college.

On the day of an absence, please email student.absences@kimberley.college and the classroom teachers by 8.30am.  If your child is arriving late (after the bell at 8.45am) you are required to sign your student in at the Student HUB and receive a late slip. 

Kristy Shepherdson - Primary School Co-ordinator

Musical Cast Announcement

Kimberley College Musical 2022 - Legally Blonde!

We are incredibly excited to announce that all students who auditioned last term will be a part of the cast of talented actors, dancers and singers who will bring our production of Legally Blonde to life next year. Rehearsals started this week and will continue until our performances on 16 and 17 July 2022. In particular, we would like to take this opportunity to celebrate our cast of lead actors. 
Elle Woods - Samara Leeuwendal

Emmett Forrest - Kane Brindley

Warner Huntington III - Kate Gillespie

Paulette Buonufonte - Ellie McKenzie

Professor Callahan - Archie Cornelius

Vivienne Kensington - Sacha Mills

Brooke Wyndham - Reese Hutchinson

Enid Hoopes - Tamika LeCourt Woodcock

Pilar, Serena and Margot - Sofia Grcic, Tia Bourke and Emma Singleton

Congratulations to our cast! We are looking forward to working with all students involved and can't wait to see the production come together!

Bridget Bunker - Musical Co-ordinator

Art Update

Middle School students will be working on an Aboriginal art unit this term. They will be introduced to the Aboriginal art and will understand the significance of the Aboriginal culture and art. Indigenous arts provide a means of cultural expression and are a vehicle for the maintenance and transmission of culture. Learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures allows students to develop respect for diversity and understanding of cultural difference. It provides all students with a rich and well-rounded knowledge of Australia’s history.

Some of our Middle School students were given an opportunity to explore in more depth, the works of art from an Aboriginal artist, Coleen Sam. Colleen is a knowledge holder passed down through her mother Ena Sam. She has created a framework from her traditional knowledge in order to teach teachers, students and the general public how to understand the difference between traditional cultural teachings and protocols of Dreamtime stories and modern/contemporary Aboriginal art. During the workshop she demonstrated the use of symbols, and its relation to nature, the land and the eco-system in the Aboriginal Artworks. Students worked on three different activities incorporating natural elements through painting and collage. Students also experienced with dot painting using their fingers as well as hand prints which were demonstrated by Colleen. They seemed to enjoy the messy, interesting activities. We hope the workshop helped our students to expand their knowledge of Aboriginal art and culture.

Roya Khorsandi  - Visual Art Teacher

Library News

Scholastic Book Club

Thank you to all the families who ordered from the last catalogue.  It enabled us to spend $200 on new books for the library using reward points we earned from your purchases! Issue 7 is out this week and orders are due next Wednesday 20 October.  It will be our last catalogue for 2021 and has lots of great books that would be ideal Christmas gifts or stocking stuffers. If you want the order to be a surprise you can mark it as a gift and we will keep it for you to collect at the office or library rather than it going to class.

Did you know that Scholastic has partnered with and support the following organisations?

• The Book Bunker –Libraries in children’s hospitals, including The Queensland Children’s Hospital
• Starlight Children’s Foundation
• Books in Homes
• Let’s Read
• Variety – The Children’s Charity
• Camp Quality
• Koala Kids Foundation

Every time you make a Book Club purchase you are making a difference!

Dance Auditions

We are pleased to announce our 2022 Dance Auditions will be held on Thursday 4th November and Friday 5th November 2021. Information and audition packs can be found on our school website. Please direct any questions to dance@kimberley.college

Debating

Congratulations to the Jagera grade 7 team for winning their debate against Sunnybank on Thursday 14th October. The students, Braedan Dal Santo (First speaker) , Seth Blackmore (Second Speaker) , Lily Forstman (Third speaker) and Georgia Sargeant-Johnston (Time keeper) represented Kimberley College with passion, grit and most importantly grace. An exciting first win for them. We wish both the Jagera and Lama year 7 team the best of luck in their upcoming short preparation debate on the 28 October, 2021.

P&F

Trivia Night 2022--Save the Date!

Covid may have kiboshed our 2021 trivia night, but we're already gearing up for 2022. Put Saturday 26 February in your calendar so you'll be free to join us in term 1 for an awesome night of trivia, fun and prizes.

This is an 18+ event. More details to come. 

 Graduation Raffle

Keep an eye out for our lovely P&F members selling raffle tickets at all three graduation events (both cash and eftpos available). We've got a range of cool and useful prizes that will come in handy over the Christmas break! The raffle will be drawn and announced at the middle school graduation. Thank you for your support.

 Chocolate Raffle Winner

Congratulations to Brianna from GubbiGubbi.  Thank you to all that supported the P&F raffle.

Music Showcase

The Kimberley College Instrumental Music Showcase will be held on Thursday 21^st October commencing at 6:00pm. We invite you to join us for a wonderful night celebrating our instrumental music students. Tickets are available via Trybooking. Please direct any questions music@kimberley.college

Jayden Dinga - Cue Sports Champion

During the school holidays, Jayden participated in five state titles and a state team trial for various cue sports.

Jayden is now the QLD State Champion for U18 8 Ball, U16 Snooker, U18 Snooker, and U16 Billiards.

QLD State Runner Up for U18 Billiards.

Jayden has made three Junior State Teams (Qld 8 Ball, QLD Snooker/Billiards and QLD Blackball) and was named the Team Captain of all three teams. Jayden will be traveling to Canberra and Albury in January to compete in these teams at the Junior Nationals Competition.

Jayden is ranked 6^th overall in Queensland for Billiards and 14^th overall for Snooker. He’s now working towards the World Snooker Junior Championships for 2023.

Edstart story on Zahara Ahmed

Music

A number of piano students recently attended a music day camp over the school holidays. The workshop was a chance to get together with other like-minded musicians, with most students  preparing for their upcoming piano exams in a few weeks time. We learnt through music games like Floor Staff Twister, Scales Snakes and Ladders, Rhythm hoops, Beat Bingo, Rhythm cups and many more musical games and activities. The students also had a chance to perform their pieces in front of their peers on a Kawai grand piano. Each student performed, but also gave both positive feedback and constructive criticism when actively listening to their peer's performances. Overall the students had a fun-filled and educational day and a lot of positive feedback came in from parents to say how much they enjoyed it. Our piano students are now looking forward to their performances next week at the Instrumental Music Showcase night and we wish them every success in their upcoming modern piano exams.

Regional Aquathlon Trials Information

Girls AFL Academy Information

Regional Triathlon Trials

Absentees, Early Collections & Late Arrivals

Please remember that details pertaining to a students absence or an early collection can be sent via:

• our school App, 
• a call to 3209 0300 and select the Student Absences option or 
• you can email student.absences@kimberley.college.  

There is a link within the Rollcall app, however this is not linked to the school.

When sending an email to class teachers to advise them, please ensure that you also c.c in the Student Absences email.

If you are aware of an upcoming appointment, those details can be sent through ahead of time.

When picking up students early please come to the Student Hub to collect them.  

Unfortunately, we cannot allow students to sign out and leave without a parent / carer or an emergency contact person being sighted. 

All students arriving after the first bell (8.45) must go to the Hub and sign in late.

Also just a reminder that the top carpark is for staff only, the main carpark at the front of the school is for parents.

Aus Kick Information