The Kilmore inTernaTional School...2020/05/05 · TKIS Newsletter Issue 4, 2020 - Page 3 Dr Judy...

The Kilmore inTernaTional School

newSleTTer

Issue 5 - May 2020

STAGED RETuRn To on-SiTE lEARninG

Content

Welcome 2IB Update 3Public Speaking News 4Careers Update 5Primary Update 6The Arts 8International Office Update 12 General Notices 13CAS 15Connect with us 15

Contact: Kristy MacdonaldEmail: [email protected]

The Kilmore International School40 White Street KilmoreVIC 3764 Australia

Tel: (03) 5782 2211Fax: (03) 5782 2525Email: [email protected]

welcomeAs we live through this moment in history, it has been very pleasing to see our school community work together to support our boarders within school and our students who are at home. I want to commend everyone for showing many of the IB Learner Profile traits that we incorporate into our lives at TKIS. For example, risk-taking was necessary to learn at home, and the caring attitudes of our students was evident in the way they helped each other. Resilience is also an attribute we are seeing in abundance!

Staff have adapted very rapidly to deliver lessons from the other side of a screen. Lessons delivered online may have the same content, but the look and feel is quite different and new technical and practical skills have been tried and tested. Teachers have tried to make the experience as interesting and challenging as possible. It has been an enlightening jump into the digital world, with all its advantages and disadvantages.

However, the TKIS students have been wonderful at adopting new platforms, new classroom etiquette and rising to the challenge that working from home brings -–technical, physical and emotional. We have learnt new jargon for TEAMS, Zoom and MyEdOnline - the new verb “to Zoom” has been used often, matching the one we are now used to – “just Google it!” No doubt these new words and new skills will be with us for years to come.

Of course I know it has not been smooth sailing for all of us. It has been disconcerting on many levels, but we have tried to work through the various issues and on the whole, programmes have continued to be followed, students have continued to learn and create.

However, we are also very aware that it has not been “a level playing field” for all students. So we have decided to make some adjustments to our end of term and reporting formats.

Firstly, we believe it would be very stressful and not very informative, to put students through a formal exam process at the end of Term 2, as we usually do. So we will continue normal classes to the final day of term, on Thursday 18th June – no examination week. This gives us extra teaching time and will allow us to consolidate learning for the semester, as we resume face to face teaching. Teachers may be doing assessments in class, but normal timetables will continue.

Secondly, students will receive reports to inform them and their families of the level at which they are working, based on evidence from Term 1 classes and online work in Term 2. However, we consider these grades to be formative, rather than summative, due to the different conditions under which assessments and assignments have been completed. So you will notice that key tasks describe how the work was completed, rather than have a number grade. Subjects will still have a number grade, but this is for purposes of guidance, not necessarily from accurate assessment grades. These are still representative of the student’s achievement; from the evidence we have collected.

TKIS Newsletter Issue 4, 2020 -

Dr Judy RutterDirector of Teaching and Learning

We are looking forward to a smooth return to face-to-face classes. Our Year 11 and 12 students are already back [since Monday], keeping their IB Diploma programmes on track. We look forward to the remaining students joining us on the 9th June. We sincerely hope that we will be able to continue for the rest of the year, so we will be washing our hands, using the sanitizer and respecting each other’s social distance. Please remind your child to do the same and do not send a sick child to school, to keep others safe.

iB UPDaTe

Deanna KrillisIB Coordinator

Students in both Year 11 and 12 have been presented an enormous challenge this semester. While their courses are demanding in themselves, the changes to teaching and learning have required students to engage with greater discipline and self-motivation than ever before, knowing that assessments continue to be recorded and their efforts will be documented in upcoming reports. Some students have thrived with the opportunity for self-study, others have learned something very important about themselves and their preferred learning style that requires improvement. These lessons will become very useful as they move towards tertiary study and independent living. This has also been a time when students have been required to model and develop traits of the IB Learner Profile, in particular, to be effective communicators, principled characters and caring towards themselves and their peers.

For Year 12 students, Term 2 in particular, has been focused on the completion of internal assessment in most subjects, and it has been very important to work towards established deadlines on the road to IBDP completion. November examinations are still set to run as planned and so, courses must be finished in time to allow for effective revision and preparation. The Core tasks that are due by the end of this term are the Extended Essay and the Theory of Knowledge Essay. Both are tertiary style tasks that require research, critical thinking and an approach to inquiry. Students are required to collaborate with their supervisors and starting this week, those who require extra assistance and protected time, will be referred to Friday after-school work sessions with Mr Schembri and myself to continue their work. These tasks are due in the final week of this term.

I will remind families again, of the importance of communicating with myself, Heads of Year, Mrs McCormick, Homeroom teachers and subject teachers in cases where your child requires support. As an IB World School, it is crucial that we work within the system of procedures set by the IBO and tertiary institutions. Often, this means meeting deadlines and providing meaningful support documentation to accompany submissions for this support.

Please email me on [email protected] or any of the IB staff for specific advice.

A time for working hard, but knowing that with each completed task, students are one step closer to their chosen future.

- TKIS Newsletter Issue 4, 2020

PUBlic SPeaKinG newS

Faye Lim Wintour made an excellent start to her speech, explaining why child beauty pageants should be banned:

“Fake tans, spider eyelashes, bleached teeth. What do you usually think of when I mention these peculiar beauty standards? A beauty pageant? Well, if that’s the answer that crossed your mind, you’re absolutely correct! Now, let’s imagine a child or maybe even, your child, dressed and made up to the standards of beauty expected pageant organisers. You wouldn’t want that now would you? Exactly. Hello everyone, my name is Faye Lim Wintour from the Kilmore International School and today I’ll be explaining why I believe that glitz beauty pageants, starring children under 12 years should be banned. At the moment, you’re probably wondering WHY this girl talking to us about glitzy girl pageants. What does this have to do with us? This isn’t a thing in Australia… or is it? Well, I’m here to inform you that this poison, is in fact happening in Australia and it’s happening right now in our backyard… Melbourne.”

Citing scientific data, Macklin Spicer made a persuasive argument to extend the Covid-19 lockdown.

“Covid 19 has an average global mortality rate of around 7% or 70 times that of the seasonal flu. The combined ‘R naught’ and high mortality rate make for a situation that, without a vaccine, may only be prevented through isolation. Although freedoms may be regained, human lives may not. With the looming threat of many thousands more Covid 19 deaths, the reduced freedoms of lockdown must be respected in order to protect the vulnerable in our communities.”

Aarushi Sodhi examined the detrimental effects of photoshopped images on young women and girls, calling for publishers to inform readers if images of models have been have been digitally altered.

“We cannot continue to let teenagers be exposed to false, misleading images across the media. Society needs to change, systems need to change. Digitally altering images is harmful to everyone, as we cannot tell what is true, and what is not. Which is the reason, we need to identify which images have been photoshopped or edited in the media. This will allow girls to determine if an image has been digitally altered, making them realise that it is fake and sets unrealistic standards.”

Daisy Phan called for more education in primary schools to combat racism.

“I strongly believe that it is very important to incorporate open-minded views on multiculturalism in children’s early education, so that they can grow into mindful, sensible and accepting adults of society.”

Like many events this year, the Debating Association’s Public Speaking Competition is being held online. Eighteen of our students took part in the first round and are now eagerly awaiting the results, due to be released on the 19th June.

In the first round, students in Years 9-11 were invited to speak on a topic of their own choosing, while younger students were challenged to think creatively about one of the topics provided: the myth of freedom; a second chance; and the forgotten people. Participants worked independently, researching their topic, writing a persuasive speech and finally uploading a video recording to be viewed by the judges.

The competition generated some very interesting and persuasive speeches which ranged from a plea to ban child beauty pageants to extending the Covid-19 lockdown. Here is a taster of some of views expressed by students in their speeches.


Benyamin Littooij chose the given topic: ‘A Second Chance’. Taking the view that ‘to err is human’, Benyamin made a persuasive case for allowing fallible human beings to be allowed a second chance.“A second chance should be given as this will inspire the person to change the problem or solve it. Without the giving of a second chance, this inspiration won’t appear and from that mistake, more might come. If not being inspired to correct flaws by second chances, these mistakes will grow.” Petra Merlo provided compelling arguments to support her view that we should change the current date of Australia Day.

“Right now, Australia Day does not include every single member of Australia. Our First Nation’s people should be able to celebrate Australia Day with us, on a different day, in which they are not reminded of the start of a genocide or an invasion. Australia Day marks the beginning of the long destruction of Indigenous people and their culture. By changing the date, Australia can show that we as a nation, are ready to truly accept and include Indigenous histories and cultures as part of the Australian story.

careerS newS

Elizabeth McCormickCareers & Higher Education [email protected]

As this unique year progresses, the importance of keeping in touch with each other and the whirlwind of change is growing week by week. For Year 12 students this is particularly important as universities all over the world are working hard to examine their admissions processes and accommodate the interruptions faced by all students.

In Australia there are already universities that use previous year results, leadership, extra-curricular activities and community roles to assess students for admission (ACU, ANU and LaTrobe). Recently Flinders University (in Adelaide) has announced that they will use uniTEST developed by ACER in lieu of Year 12 results. This is an aptitude test that has been developed to assess the kinds of generic reasoning and thinking skills that underpin tertiary studies.

Overseas universities are holding ‘webinars day and night’ – I spent 6 hours last weekend hearing the latest updates for various UK and USA universities. All overseas universities adopt wider admissions requirements compared to Australia. These often take the form of essays, short responses or even additional examinations. This year many universities will be placing increased weight on the non-results components of their admission profile. Thorough research and commitment to produce high quality responses will be necessary.

Year 12 students are reminded to please read ALL Careers emails and TEAMs chats; please attend tutorial meetings (Mondays at 3.40pm in Room 103) if the topic covers your career plans. Preparation for personal statements and essays is starting shortly in June.

Finally my office door is always open to students and parents may arrange phone calls or chats in TEAMS with their student present to discuss any concerns or answer questions you may have about universities.

CollEGE BoARD TESTinG – new dates for TKiSSaturday 29 AugustSaturday 3 OctoberSaturday 5 December


An excerpt from our letter to parents on 25 May 2020:

In order to make the transition back to school, for our primary students and staff, as safe and as smooth as possible we ask that all parents follow the protocols and procedures outlined below:

• All students in Years 3 - 6 are expected to return to school on June 9• From June 9, TKIS will no longer support Remote Learning from home.• If your child is feeling unwell, showing any signs of a cold/flu (cough, running nose, sore throat), any respiratory

symptoms or has an elevated temperature, they MUST NOT attend school. • Drop off and pick up of ALL primary students must take place from Lumsden St, GATE 5 (Primary School

entrance). • We will be trialling a ‘Kiss and Drop’ style drop off in the morning. Please follow the cones, ensure your child is

seated on the left side of the car, with their bag beside them, so that when you arrive at the drop off point (just before the primary gate), they can exit the car safely and quickly.

• GATE 5 will not be opened before teachers are on yard duty, so please DO NOT drop off your child prior to 8:10am.

• Students will have a health check on arrival. Any student showing any of the above symptoms, either on arrival or during the day, will be placed in isolation and parents advised to pick up their child immediately.

• GATE 5 entry will be closed at 8:30am. • Only school staff and students will be permitted to enter school grounds. • Bubble taps will be turned off. ALL students should attend school with their own drink bottle. • Pick up at 3:30pm, we ask parents to remain in their car so as to avoid gatherings in the car park or at the gate.

The teacher on yard duty will assist students departing at the end of the day.

Please assist your child in gathering all of their school materials/books/stationery that were sent home with them, prior to their return to school, and ensure they bring it back to school with them on 9 June.

We understand that some families may be feeling anxious about the return to school. Please know that we are following all health care advice available.

An exciting project is in development! A CareMonkey notice has been issued to all Primary School families in relation to our ‘Express Yourself Through Isolation Project’. We hope you are able to support your children in developing their project. The photos we have seen so far have been wonderful.

Finally, thank you again for your continued support and patience during this time.

We are looking forward to welcoming all of our students back to our classrooms.

Julie DaniellsPrimary School Cooridnator

Primary UPDaTe


Remote Learning Work Sample: Binuli Hemachandra, Year 6

Mongolia Capital City: Ulaanbaatar

Population: 3,278,290

Two mountain ranges of Mongolia:

1. Bulnayn Nuruu

2. Hargayn Nuruu

Type of landscape:

Mongolia has lots of grassland, called steppes. It also has sub deserts and deserts. Mongolia is mostly a plateau. However, the most known are the mountain ranges. There are high peaks and cold winds. Brrr!

Religion in Mongolia (Most followed to least)

Buddhism

Irreligion

Islam

Mongolian shamanism

Christianity

Remote Learning Work Sample: Sushant Puri, Year 6

Remote Learning Work Sample: Paper Mache Puppet by Mia Walters, Year 6

Japan Capital City: Tokyo

Population: 126,476,461

Largest Island: Honshu island

Foods that are eaten:

Ginger pork

Sushi

Sashimi

Two Japanese sports:

1. Sumo wrestling

2. Kendo (Sword sport)


The arTSWork from Year 7 Music, Term 2.

Students were asked to write a new set of lyrics to an existing melody. They began by looking at AFL Team songs, which are simply constructed, and considered the syllable counts, syntax and rhyme patterns. They then applied that analytical approach to polish their own version, for which they could select a song of their choice.

(From “Happy” by Pharrell Williams) Re-written by Riley Egan, 7A

‘I started with the first verse and was not sure how to start it so I just wrote down a new verse that sort of fitted with the original song. Then I made it rhyme in the second draft, in the third I made it so the words fitted in with the music, and in the fourth, I finalised it all. Then I proceeded to do the chorus of the song, which turned out a lot easier to do as I had already done the first verse.’ Riley.

OriginalIt might seem crazy what I’m ‘bout to say Sunshine she’s here, you can take a break I’m a hot air balloon that could go to space With the air, like I don’t care baby by the way

Huh, because I’m happy Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof Because I’m happy Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truthBecause I’m happy Clap along if you know what happiness is to youBecause I’m happy Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do

Riley’s VersionIt is super strange that we’re back in May,Green grass I’m here, and about to shake.I am gonna go outside, go have a taste.While I’m out, I am gonna shout, across the way.

Yeah, cause we’re not insideJump around if you’re glad that you are not in a coop.Yeah, we are outsideJump around if you are glad that you can shoot a hoop.Yeah, we are outsideJump around if you’re glad that you can go for a hike.Yeah, we are outsideJump around if you’re glad that you can do what you like.


(From We’re a Happy Team at Hawthorn Team song) Re-written by Ella Miller, 7B

‘In music this term, year 7 created cheer songs by rewriting the lyrics of an already existing song. I choose to re-write the theme song of the hawthorn hawks. ‘ Ella

Original We’re a happy team at Hawthorn We’re the mighty fighting Hawks We love our club and we play to win  Riding the bumps with a grin at Hawthorn Come what May you’ll find us striving Team work is the thing that counts One for all and all for one Is the way we play at Hawthorn We are the mighty fighting Hawks

Ella’s VersionWe don’t like to be in lock downI am feeling kinda down I love my dog because he’s always jolly hope he doesn’t catch coronavirus by the ninth we might have freedom we can go out of the house even though I don’t like school I’m still wanting to go back there safe from the coronavirus 

Catherine StringerHead of The Arts

Remote Learning Work Sample: Learning to use tonal values/light & shadow, to create form.Parvathy Sreenarajesh, Year 7


Remote Learning Work Sample: Macklin Spicer Year 10, Finished Oil Painting“This semester, the year 10 art students have been focusing on oil painting; however, with the lockdown,

our plans to begin our final oil paintings this term were made far more difficult than usual. During this time, I have found a new hobby in oil painting and have completed quite a number of pieces. For many of these pieces, including the one shown, I was greatly inspired by Ben Quilty’s palette knife oil paintings which do away with trivial details and focus far more on broader, bolder strokes. Painting these pieces in lockdown

has been a great chance to improve my skills and was a great way to cope with the monotony of isolation.”


Remote Learning Work Sample: Arushi Davar, Year 7


inTernaTional oFFice UPDaTeDue to the ongoing global public health challenges, it forced us to adapt to “new normal” for conducting activities. During this time of a year, the International Office usually has its team members attend education exhibitions overseas. However, this year, we have to seek alternative ways.

As one of the most prestigious independent schools in Australia, TKIS was invited by Austar, a global leading education and migration consultancy, to introduce TKIS to Austar clients via a Webinar on 17th May 2020. Ms May Kan, Associate Director from the International Office at TKIS, gave a masterly presentation to the overseas agency partners and families regarding the successful history of TKIS and its graduates’ great achievements in the past 30 years.

Participating families in the Webinar were amazed by the school’s outstanding achievements.

Melody WangAssociate Manager, International Office

Webinar promotion flyer – Online Session with Australian Prestigious Secondary Schools. 11 am 17th May.Hosting school – The Kilmore International School


General noTiceS


A friendly reminder from Richard and Les in the IT Department:

If any students need assistance with information technology issues in this online enironment, contact us via email at [email protected]. We are here to help!

iT DeParTmenT UPDaTe

The administration office at Student Services is now fully staffed as we now move into a phase of returning to onsite learning. We also welcome Luke Preston, Business Manager to the team. If you have any questions, we are here to help.

The team has a number of lost property items available for collection. If you are missing any items, please check in with administration staff.

If your child is absent from learning, please contact reception or phone the school to inform us of the absence so that we can maintain accurate records.

STUDenT SerViceS UPDaTe

enrolmenTS

Enrolments for 2021 and 2022 now openCo-educational, non-denominational, domestic and international day and boarding school

Learn more about our world class international education experienceJoIn US at Australia’s premier IB World School

40 White Street, Kilmore, Victoria www.kilmore.vic.edu.au [email protected] +61 3 57 822 211

Future ready World ready Work ready

We have added a new line for our Girls uniform. Skorts / Culottes are now available and in stock, valued at $60. They are good quality and great value.

On the return to onsite learning, full and correct uniform is expected. Please review our 2020 Uniform Code here>>

UniForm UPDaTe

Do you have suggestions for the Newsletter? Do you have work samples that you are proud of and would like produced in the school Newsletter? Have you been involved in extra curricular activities such as art classes or sporting events?

Perhaps you have ideas for the Yearbook and Arts Magazine? If you are a member of the Publications Team, we will be in contact very soon to discuss how we can document what is shaping up to be a very memorable year.

Contact Kristy Macdonald via email [email protected] to make a valuable contribution. We would love to hear from you.

STUDenT Voice


creaTiViTy, acTiViTy & SerVice (caS) UPDaTe

CONNECT with us on social channels

In coming months we will be making improvements to our social media presence. We encourage you to click, view and follow our offical pages to build connections within our school community and beyond.

JOKGU by Astro Nou (Year 11)

Hello everybody! There is ‘Jokgu’ as a CAS activity run by Mr Koo every Tuesday from 3:45 to 4:30 on the tennis courts. ‘Jokgu’ or ‘Korean foot volleyball’ is an interesting sport which involves a combination of skills used both in volley and soccer. The rules are pretty simple, players are allowed to use only their feet or shin to strike the ball. Headers are also allowed. Each team is allowed a maximum of three touches, and the ball has to be returned to the opposing team on the third touch. The ball is allowed to bounce once between each touch. Don’t worry if you are not comfortable with controlling the ball with your feet or head because we all are there to learn the develop the skills needed! I remembered playing this for the first time with my friends, we had a lot of fun and excitement even though we struggle to put the ball over the net! I enjoyed playing this sport as it requires a great amount of teamwork and effective communication, so not only does this activity keep you active and alert but it also helps you to develop the important skills in life. I highly encourage you to bring your friends along and join us in this amazing CAS experience!

The Kilmore inTernaTional School...2020/05/05 · TKIS Newsletter Issue 4, 2020 - Page 3 Dr Judy...

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