Kimberley College Newsletter - Term 1 2024
Principal's Welcome
I would like to welcome all our returning and new parents, carers and families to the College for the 2024 school year. While the first day proved to be a hot start to the year, our students and staff returned with a clear level of excitement about the new school year.
I would like to commend our students for returning in full formal uniform for the first day. The wearing of uniforms really does create a sense of pride for students both in themselves and the College and gives our school a unique sense of identity in the community. I look forward to this continuing throughout 2024 with the support of our parents and carers. If you have any questions in relation to the Uniform and Presentation Policy which is available on the website https://www.kimberley.college/about-us/policies please contact admin@kimberley.college for assistance.
Timely and accurate communication with our college community is vital, and we try to disseminate information in a variety of formats including email, social media (Kimberley College Community Page is a closed group especially for our families to receive and share information), and our school APP (SZapp) which includes a handy calendar of events throughout the year and absenteeism forms. If you have not downloaded the APP, I would strongly encourage you to do so and instructions have been included below. The password that you will need is: 4955. It is also important to keep your contact details up to date via the Parent Lounge so that we can maintain this communication with you.
As our reputation continues to grow, so does the popularity and demand for places. While this is an enviable position and signifies all the positive work we have been doing over the last few years, it does mean places can be limited in some years. Year 7 interviews are currently being finalised for commencements in 2025 this term. If you have not submitted an online application for your child's sibling, I would urge you to complete one as soon as possible as we anticipate all offers for places will be filled by the Easter holiday break if not beforehand.
Today was our swimming carnival and it was great to see so many students across the middle and senior schools take to the water to compete and represent their boats. It really was a sea of colour and our spectators were vocal in their support of classmates. Special thanks to our Head of Sport & HPE, Ms Seary and colleagues for organising this event.
Next week we have school photos scheduled on Thursday 1 and Friday 2 February and an important information presentation for Year 9 parents and carers on our newly introduced Rites of Passage Program with international guest speaker Dr Arne Rubinstein. Information on this exciting new initiative at Kimberley College has been sent home to all Middle School families and if you have not already registered please do so at https://www.trybooking.com/COSKO This session is also open to parents of year 7 and year 8 students.
We also look forward to our College musical: Annie in early Term Three. Our students and staff are excitedly preparing and I encourage our whole school community to support them. Further details to follow.
This year promises to be an exciting time in the college and myself and the staff look forward to sharing our experiences and fulfilling our college mission - To provide opportunities for individuals to become engaged, to find their purpose and passion, think of others, and live the change they want to see.
Mr Glenn Johnson
Principal
Email: principal@kimberley.college
Deputy Principal's Desk
Welcome back students, parents/carers and families. It is wonderful to experience the school filled with people again. So much excitement, energy, love and laughter!
We have a great term ahead:
Launching our new Year 9 Rites of Passage Program
In collaboration with Dr. Arne Rubinstein and the Transform Team, we have created a bespoke Rites of Passage program for our Year 9 students at Kimberley College. Facilitated by four passionate Kimberley College educators trained as Rites of Passage mentors, our year-long learning program encompasses weekly experiences designed around core themes to support transition into Senior School. Culminating in a 3-day transition camp early in Term 4, the focus is on bringing out the best in all students and addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological changes happening in their life in a safe and structured way.
Building a community around these young people is critical to supporting their journey into adulthood. Parent/carer support is important; it demonstrates to all young people that there are adults who see them for who they are and support them as they mature and grow into the best versions of themselves.
Following the Middle School information evening on Wednesday 31 January, we have a special launch event for parents/carers in the Auditorium at 6pm. With a presentation entitled’ “Parenting, Technology, and Rites of Passage in the 21st Century,” and facilitated by Dr. Arne Rubinstein - Founder & CEO of The Rites of Passage Institute – this is an absolute must-see event. Attendance is essential for Year 9 parents/carers and strongly encouraged for all Middle School parents/carers.
Tickets are free but limited in number. Follow the link to secure tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/COSKO
To read more about our co-founders of the KC program visit:https://ritesofpassageinstitute.org/
Our biennial Musical Event - Annie
After great success with our 2022 musical Legally Blonde, we are entering musical season yet again. Rehearsals commence early this term, and the show will be live on stage early in Term Three. Musicals are such a great vehicle to build/strengthen connection across the whole College and beyond. I look forward to seeing you all at the live performance.
Leukaemia Foundation's World’s Greatest Shave
Organized by our Student Council, the World’s Greatest Shave is a phenomenal fundraising event taking place on the last day of Term One (Thursday 28 March). Serving as a great way to bring together the whole College community, it has previously involved colouring and shaving hair, sausage sizzles, and raffles to pie teachers with whipped cream. A great way to have fun, strengthen connection and raise funds for such an important cause.
Encourage your child to consider getting involved in new opportunities at the College (i.e., Student Council) to learn/grow, facilitate positive change and demonstrate the KC Waffo spirit.
Have a truly, wonderful term.
Ms Janine Parkinson
Deputy Principal
Parents and Friends (P&F)
The P&F would like to extend a warm welcome to all new and returning KC students and their families! We hope you all have a safe and successful 2024.
We are also excited for this year's P&F TRIVIA NIGHT! Join us on the 25 of May at Fitzy's Loganholme for a night of fun with some awesome prizes to be won. The theme is still a surprise but will be released shortly. Stay in the Trivia Night loop by following our Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/3Ski5RL9v
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCParentsandFriends?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kc_parents_and_friends/
School Photos Reminder
Thursday 1 Feb - Primary + Barada & Jagera middle school boats
Friday 2 Feb - Lama & Maikulan middle school boats + Seniors.
Sibling photos are available both days before school 8 - 8.45am in the auditorium
Order envelopes to be distributed shortly and please ensure your child is dressed in formal uniform.
Primary School Update
Hello and welcome to the 2024 school year. We are so excited to be back in the swing of things! We hope you all had a restful break with your families and loved ones and are ready for a wonderful year of fun and learning.
Across the Primary School, we welcome Mrs Tamara Hellwig, Mrs Chantelle Medosevic, and Mrs Charlotte Ives to the primary school teaching team. Some of these teachers are new to the school, and some are familiar faces that you would have seen before. Either way, please make these new staff members feel welcome if you see them out and about.
This term, we have many exciting themes across the Primary School. To outline these themes, we will send out Curriculum Overviews each term. Not only do they provide a general idea of the term's learning experiences, but they also give parents some additional prompts for the age-old question of "What did you do at school today?" that would usually be met with a "Nothing." Feel free to use these in an attempt to delve a little deeper!
Kokomini: 'Magical Adventures'
The theme for Kokomini this term is 'Magical Adventures.' This theme represents the new preppies' journey of exploring the magic of school through stories, science experiments, and the joy of learning new things!
Kokowara: 'We Are Family'
This term in Kokowara, the students are exploring the theme 'We are family.' They will be sharing their ideas about their own families and what this means to them. We aim to help each other develop a broader understanding of family contexts and how these important home and extended communities can be different, yet still share similar values, celebrations and interests. The students will also look at how families have changed over time, and the ways in which roles differ in the past. The Kokowara students will collect data in Maths, create beautiful portraits in Art, and write about their own experiences in English to link their learning together.
Waka Waka: 'Pirates'
Ahoy, me, hearties! In Waka this term, the students are exploring all things pirate-related. In HASS, they will learn about Captain Cook, the impact on the First Nation's People, and what life was like for the convicts. During Science lessons, students will design and create their own ship to test on the open seas. They will also learn how to navigate by reading compasses and using the sun. The class will also have lots of fun learning how to be a pirate, making treasure, designing clues to follow to find treasure, learning how to talk like a pirate, and lots more!
Gubbi Gubbi: 'From Little Things, Big Things Grow'
The theme for Gubbi Gubbi, titled 'From Little Things, Big Things Grow,' is partly inspired by the song by Paul Kelly and partly a reflection on who we are and where we are headed. Over the course of this term, Gubbi will ask questions like 'Who am I?' and 'Who do I want to be?' as their journey of self-exploration begins in 2024. Self-acceptance is important, but so too is self-development and growth. By asking these questions, we will seek to recognise the value of self and set targets for the future as we develop an insight into our own potential.
Gubbi Camp
The hot topic in Gubbi Gubbi at the moment is our upcoming camp at Gold Coast Recreation Centre, Tallebudgera (20th March – 22nd March). This camp is a favourite with children and has incredible facilities and activities to enjoy over the three days. The Gubbi Gubbi teachers would love to see all of our children attend, so please do not hesitate to contact us if we can assist you or your child in any way.
Information Sessions
We would like to take the opportunity to remind parents about a few information sessions at the start of the term. The first is our 'Parent Information Night' on Tuesday, 30th January, between 5.30pm and 6.30pm. The second is the Sexual Relationships Education – Parent Information Session – with True Relationships and Reproductive Health - which will run on Monday 5th February, 5.30pm - 6.30pm. You will receive more information on these events in separate notices.
Primary Assemblies
In the primary school, we hold our Primary assemblies fortnightly. This term, they will be held every even week, starting on 2nd February, 9.00 am in the Koko Green area. We look forward to seeing you there.
Mrs Kristy Damen
Primary School Coordinator
Middle School Update
As we start term 1 for 2024 I am excited to welcome all our middle students both returning and new students including year 7 to the College. While making new friends and settling in can take some time, KC teachers and staff are here to support your family if you have any concerns as your child transitions into the middle school.
I would like to congratulate Mrs Melissa Pirlo to her appointment as the Head of Boat for Barada and Ms Melissa Chorazyczewski who has joined Lama Lama after several years in the KC primary school. Both will be wonderful additions to the middle school bringing both a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to their roles. Our students will delve into the theme “Futures” engaging in a number of activities and philosophical discussions about how their past can inform their future and the future of others.
Here are a few reminders and events to pop on your calendar for Term One.
- Our ‘Parent Meet and Greet’ evening will take place on Wednesday 31st of January from 5.30 pm to 6 pm. This will be held in your child’s classroom and run by the teachers. Unfortunately, we are unable to record this session. However, a PowerPoint will be emailed home for you to peruse if you are unable to attend.
- Following this event, there will be a Rites of Passage information session from 6 pm to 7 pm in the auditorium.
- Thursday electives will begin on Thursday in week 2.
- School photos 1st and 2nd February. Sibling photos will be held before school in the auditorium.
- NAPLAN will now be run on the 13th, 14th and 15th of March. This includes catch-up sessions for students.
- Student-Led conferences will be held in Week 9
Keep an eye out for more information from your classroom teachers.
Uniform and Grooming
We know that the holidays are a great way to let your hair out and try something new, but please be aware that we have a uniform and grooming policy that must be followed and will be adhered to. If School Locker is waiting on uniform stock, please ensure that you email your classroom teachers so they are aware of the situation.
We look forward to another exciting and busy year ahead.
Mrs Margherite Rigden
Middle School Coordinator
Senior School
Welcome to all our returning and new senior students to term one of 2024! We know it is going to a great year for you. We would also like to greet our cohort of over 100 students that have commenced year 10 from the middle school. We would like to invite these year 10 students (and new students to senior) to an information evening which will be held in the auditorium at school on Monday evening, 29 January (next week). Senior photos are scheduled for Friday 2 February, so please ensure formal uniforms are worn and grooming guidelines as per the policy please!
This term also see the following camps:
- Year 10 Big Challenge Camp at Marantha, Yandina (14 - 16 February)
- Year 12 Biology Camp at Hastings Point ( 29 February - 1 March)
- Year 11 Leadership Camp at Luther Heights (13 - 15 March)
Senior drama students (Years 11 & 12) will undertake an incursion - Animal Farm on the 12 February followed by a drama masterclass for Year 12 students. The RACQ will also present a session on Driver Distraction.
All and all a busy first term with academic and vocational studies, juggling part time work with social and sporting commitments and sometimes this can be a bit overwhelming. It is important to help support your child to find the right balance for the various aspects of their lifestyle with exercise habits, sleep cycles, and diet a priority to ensure sustained success for the year ahead.
Sports Update
Term one kicks off multiple programs and trials in sport for our students. At the end of Term Four and again in Term One an email has been sent home regarding Pacific District and Beenleigh Zone representative trials for 2024. This email contains all the necessary information for parents regarding the process for nominations.
In Week Two, students in the high school will begin training again for the AGCC competition across all 4 sports, Netball, Touch Football/Oztag, Futsal/Football and Basketball. The competition season will commence in Week 6 and we look forward to another great year of sport and support of our KC Kookaburras.
Welcome to our 2024 Sports Leaders and Captains
Captains - Takai Hola and Brooklyn HoddinottLeaders - Spencer Harris, Elsie Morgan, Corey Dawson- Simmons, Rose Ahmed.
Ms Caitlin Seary
Head of Sport and HPE
Arts Update
Dance
All dance program classes for 2024 will commence this week. We are so excited to see the students in the studio getting back into the swing of things. Our performance teams will be working hard this term preparing for our competition season which will begin next term. Our development students will be working towards learning new technical and expressive skills. If you have any questions about our dance program, please feel free to email dance@kimberley.college
Music
Our instrumental music lessons start this week for students interested in vocal, guitar, piano and drums. We also have a rock band program for students who are interested in performing as part of a band with others. If you are interested in signing up to any of these programs or want more information, please email music@kimberley.college
Senior School
Our Yunupingu students look forward to attending a welcome dinner and musical in week five. They will get to immerse themselves in a theatrical experience while enjoying the musical performance of Beauty and the Beast.
2024 School Musical
This year, the college is proud to be staging the musical Annie early in term three. Rehearsals are already well under way. If your child has a role in the musical already, keep an eye out for more information regarding rehearsal times and other requirements. If your child is interested in being part of the musical and has not already auditioned, please email our director Mr Daniel Pearton at daniel.pearton@kimberley.college We would love to see everyone get involved.
Ms Elizabeth Wagenknecht
Had of the Arts and Yunupingu Faculty
Term 1 Fees are due on 2 February 2024.
Should you wish to put in place a direct debit for 2024 we require families to contact accountsreceivable@kimberley.college who will in turn provide you with a hyperlink. This hyperlink allows you to securely register your banking details with Westpac.
Please Note: A 3% Discount applies if the annual tuition fee amount is paid for each student by 2 February 2024.
College Counsellor
Supporting the Developmental Growth of our Children
Have you ever wondered what to do for your child as they grow? Dr. Erikson, theorized that personality (and thus, thinking and behaviour) is developed through eight different life stages, later called Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development.
Knowing and reflecting upon what each stage is, can provide helpful insight into our personalities and behaviours. More importantly, understanding our parenting roles during the different stages of our children’s development can assist in successfully supporting their developmental growth.
As parents, there are some things we can do to support and encourage success for our children as they develop. It is important that we:
- Remain reliable, consistent, and nurturing in our responsiveness for them to develop trust.
- Encourage and support their independence – in particular, we need to gradually release our control so they can develop a sense of confidence and autonomy when making decisions, exploring their worlds, and trying again following their failures. Encouraging and supporting a sense of independence also promotes the development of healthy self-esteem.
- Encourage their experimentation with initiating and planning activities, facing challenges, and accomplishing tasks. This is when children play and experiment socially with others. This is when children learn that it is OK to try new things and make mistakes and try again.
- Encourage our children to develop and master new skills so they can apply them to complete tasks. This is where children develop a confidence in their ability to set and achieve goals. The development of new competencies is what guides our children’s acceptance into social groups and develops pride in their sense of belonging, contribution, and accomplishments.
- When our children experience rejection and failure (as they will), this is our opportunity to sit with them in those feelings, so they learn that it is OK to fail, be rejected and make mistakes. This is an important opportunity to allow our children to feel the awkwardness and upsetting feelings associated with these parts of life – this is where resilience can be developed. Sometimes, we will want to step in and save our children from these feelings and experiences, and that is completely normal. However, it is important that our children have these experiences to guide their social and emotional growth and understand that all feelings are valid.
- Encourage our children’s exploration of different interests, values, goals, and roles to assist them in developing their own identity. If our adolescents are openly supported in their exploration of different roles, they are far more likely to develop a stronger sense of independence, confidence and future direction.
For some links that can expand on Erikson’s theory and assist in further understanding what our children need at particular stages of their lives:
https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/erik-ericksons-theory/
https://www.verywellmind.com/erik-eriksons-stages-of-psychosocial-development-2795740.
Mrs Klynton Kelly-Bolt
College Counsellor