Semaine de la Francophonie 

Bonjour à tous,

As we come together to celebrate Francophonie Week, I want to take a moment to reflect on the rich tapestry of cultures and languages that make up our diverse community at Killarney Heights Public School. With a student population that embraces various backgrounds, we are proud to offer a vibrant learning environment that encourages cultural exchange and appreciation.

Francophonie Week is a wonderful opportunity for us to embrace the French language and the many cultures of French-speaking countries around the world. Throughout the week, students engage in various activities that highlight the richness of French culture, including music, art, film, sport and cuisine. I encourage all students to participate enthusiastically and explore the vibrancy of the Francophone world.

This year, a key highlight of our celebrations is the Le Monde Sans Fin exhibition. This exhibition engages students in critical conversations about the ecological challenges our planet faces, allowing them to explore the profound changes occurring in our environment and the importance of sustainability and awareness.

At Killarney Heights Public School, we are dedicated to fostering a love for languages and cultural learning. Our French/English bilingual program is designed to not only teach the language but also to immerse students in the rich history and traditions associated with Francophone countries. Let us celebrate the contributions of French-speaking communities to our global society and foster a spirit of inclusiveness and respect.

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the French Speaking Association of the North Shore (FANS) team, our dedicated teachers of French, DoE staff teams and P&C for providing and supporting such engaging and meaningful activities for Francophonie Week.

I am proud of our commitment to language learning and cultural appreciation, and I look forward to seeing our students shine during this special week.

Joyeuse Semaine de la Francophonie!

Warm regards,

Gillian Tegg

Student Success

Congratulations to the following students on their achievement of book awards for their consistent effort in practising and promoting our school values of Respect, Responsibility and Success. These students are: Amelie, Clara, Theo, Archie, Henrick, Dax and Eddie.

The online booking parent-teacher interview booking system opened last Friday and will close this Friday, 28th, at 5:00pm. 

Should you need to book or edit your booking after 5pm this Friday, please contact the office via email or phone. 

To book an interview time:  

1. Follow this link: https://killarneyhps.schoolzineplus.com/2025ParentTeacherInterviews
2. Follow the prompts:  

- Select your child/first child  

- Select the class that particular child is in (listed as class and teacher name),  

- Select the time that suits you, please note that each teacher is only allocated one day  

- Complete the short survey to indicate whether you will be attending face-to-face or via Zoom  

- Select ‘Confirm’  

The interview booking system will close on the 28th March at 5pm. Should you have any difficulty booking an interview time, please call the school and our administration staff can assist.

General Parent-Teacher Interview Info:

This year we are delivering our interviews in person or via Zoom, whichever suits parents best. Below are the days for each class interviews:

If you are booking for a face-to-face interview, please arrive 5 minutes early to account for the time needed to walk to the meeting location. Locations of face-to-face interviews:

Monday_Interviews_Map.pdf

Tuesday_Interviews_Map.pdf

Wednesday_Interviews_Map.pdf

Thursday_Interviews_Map.pdf

Friday_Interviews_Map.pdf

If you are booking a Zoom interview, you will need to have a Zoom account. Here are the class Zoom IDs and Passcodes: Zoom_IDs_2025.doc.pdf

All interviews are designed and timetabled to be 10 minutes long, with a 5-minute buffer. This buffer is to allow for teachers to organise their resources for the next interview and is also imperative to allow for shifting between face-to-face and Zoom interviews.  

If teachers or parents need a longer discussion than the allocated 10 minutes, a separate meeting should be organised for another time. This can be done by emailing or phoning the school during school hours. 

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all parents for taking the time to join these meetings and to all of the teachers for preparing for these interviews and for arriving earlier and/or staying back later than usual. 

Regards,
Anne McIntosh
Deputy Principal (Act.)

This year's NAPLAN was done by Year 3 and 5. The subjects they covered were creative writing, maths (numeracy), grammar/spelling and reading. Composite classes were split and the children who did not do NAPLAN were sent to empty classes like: CAPA, LOTE, Kilkenny and Esker. A few classes merged and did learning activities like making maths games. Here are a few points of view from students. 

"NAPLAN was fun but a bit stressful." Kyah.B
"It was tricky, but I tried my best." Sienna.Y 
"Nothing was too easy or too hard. I liked that." Elise.S

Amelie.T, Elodie.S, Juliette.C, Jonah.B, Ben.L, Elise.S and Kyah.B
KHPS Student Representative Council

A big congratulations goes to all of Year 3 and 5 students and their teachers. Conducting NAPLAN with 4 individualised assessments for every one of our roughly 200 students (each logged onto a device with working headphones!) is no mean feat. NAPLAN 2025 again went very smoothly.

We now look forward to receiving results (quite a few months away though - don't hold your breath!)

Scholastic Book Club

The last day to order for issue 2 of the Scholastic Book Club is this Friday 28th March.

Library overdues

Overdues for this term have been sent out via email. Please return them this week or in week 11 as the library is closed in week 10 for interviews.

To replace a lost or damaged beyond repair library book, there are 3 options:

1. Buy the exact same book, online or in stores, and give the book to the school/Miss Muddell.

2. Give the school/Miss Muddell the cash amount due in an envelope with the student’s name and book title written on the envelope or inside on a piece of paper. 

3. If the above 2 options are not possible, you are able to pay the school via School Bytes, electronically, but please then email the school advising of online payment and label the payment as ‘for lost library books’ or Miss Muddell will not be informed that the book has been paid for to be able to take it off the library system.

If possible, options 1 and 2 are the preferred options.

Thank you for helping to keep our library well stocked for all to share.

Miss Muddell
Teacher Librarian

PSSA Trials 

Athletics Carnival 

PSSA Training

Two weeks ago, Elodie S from our school’s Intermediate Contemporary Ensemble auditioned for the Sydney North Junior Dance Ensemble, and I have just received news that she has been successful!

Elodie went up against students in Year 4, 5 and 6 from public schools all over the Sydney North region. She learnt and performed various sequences and a contemporary/lyrical piece, focusing on technique and performance quality, in front of an audition panel. She should be extremely proud of herself for this huge achievement!

Thank you to Mr Kim Peade, SNPS Dance Festival Director, and his team for organising and running the auditions, and to BHPS for opening up their school hall to host the event.

The KHPS Intermediate Ensemble have been working extremely hard on their contemporary piece and we are so excited for the dance competition and festival season to begin!

Jennifer Tong
Classroom Teacher

This is a reminder for parents to support our policy on Smart Watches. Our policy prohibits students from wearing or using smart (network connected) devices at school which could allow for sending and receiving of messages, calls or social media, as well as the potential for recording or photographing other students and staff. This includes phones, tablets and wearables such as watches and is in keeping with high school restrictions implemented across the state. We hope the necessity for such a restriction is evident.

All parents and students have signed the ICT Contract which includes the statements:

• I will act responsibly by leaving my mobile phone and/or smart watch turned off (including Space Talk) and in my school bag while I am on school grounds (this includes any excursions). Essential communication to and from parents will be managed via the school office during the school day.
• I understand that my mobile phone and/or smart watch (including Space Talk) must stay in my school bag when I am on school premises (this includes any excursions).

Staff cannot be expected to discern between the many, rapidly evolving digital watches. As such, students may be asked to remove watches if it is not immediately apparent that they are not connected/smart watches. As a general rule, if it does more than tell the time, it is a distraction at best and more suitable for out-of-school hours.

If a teacher asks a student to remove their watch, students will always be directed respectfully and have the option to ask the office to store the device until 3pm if they would prefer.

A big thank you to all of the students and their parents who already respect this policy, many, we know, already keep their watch in their bag until 3pm.

This Term at KHPS

Francophonie Week / Semaine de la Francophonie

Happy Francophonie Week! Bonne semaine de la francophonie!

The entire school is celebrating this international week that honours French language and Francophone cultures.

Did you know that Killarney Heights is the French-speaking capital of Australia, according to the 2021 census?

The teachers of French have prepared a daily schedule of fun activities to celebrate Francophonie Week, kicked off today with the Stage 3 flag hunt (chasse aux drapeaux) and karaoke.

Students can choose from many fun activities planned through the week during recess and lunch breaks.

DSC05107.jpg

Second-hand French language book sale

Stock up on French books for children & adults at the upcoming Francophonie Week second-hand book sales. Look for the book stand beside the Red Gate mural at the following dates and times:

• Tuesday 25 March - 8 :30am – 9:30am
• Thursday 27 March - 7:50am – 9:15am
• Friday 28 March - 2:30pm – 3:30pm
  
  

Volunteers needed!

If you're able to help with set-up, sales, or pack-up, please sign-up with your availability. We would appreciate helpers on Tuesday and Thursday: Book sale volunteers

Merci beaucoup!

Grand opening! Art exhibition: « Le Monde Sans Fin »

Join FANS and KHPS as we unveil an inspiring international exhibition here in Killarney Heights. Based on the bestselling graphic novel "Le Monde sans fin" (World without end) by Jean-Marc Jancovici and Christophe Blain, the exhibition sheds light on key sustainability challenges and offers practical solutions in renewable energy, transportation, urban planning, and responsible consumption.

You’re invited!

Students will visit the exhibition in the O Block Year 5/6 building during school hours, and families are invited to view the exhibition on Friday 28 March from 2:30pm to 5:00pm.

There will be an official welcome at 3:15pm and some snacks available.

Come check out this engaging artwork and spark some interesting discussions as a family.

Where: O Block | Year 5/6 building

When: During Francophonie Week, Monday 24 March – Friday 28 March

Francophonie Week - Canteen Special

FANS is offering a canteen special to help celebrate Francophonie Week! Parents can now order mini croissants and pains au chocolat for their child’s morning tea (distribution at recess) on Friday 28 March.

Three options:

• 2 x mini croissants
• 2 x mini pains au chocolat
• Mixed pack: 1 of each
• Price: $3.00 for a pack of 2
• Sales are open on Flexischools and close on Wednesday 26th March at 11:59pm

Learning

Years 1 & 2 - Presentation of a Francophone country

Stage 1 students have been expanding their knowledge of French-speaking countries: Belgium for Year 1 students and Senegal for Year 2 students. The students have created posters to share the information they learned about these countries (see photos).

The students then recorded videos in which they presented the key facts from their posters. These videos were sent to Camberwell Primary School on Friday 21 March. The students at Camberwell, who are working on the same project, also sent us their videos—Madagascar for Year 1 and Morocco for Year 2.

We will have the pleasure of watching their videos to discover new French-speaking countries. Afterwards, we will take part in a quiz to test our knowledge of Francophonie and French-speaking countries.

Stages 2 & 3 Homework – Presentation of a Francophone Country

Stage 2: Presentations are now due as students will present their Francophone country throughout this week.

Stage 3: Presentations are due next week (Week 10).

Presentations can be handed in by USB key, Google Classroom or by email to the school with attention to the child’s Teacher of French: killarney-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Lève ta voix reading aloud competition

Lève ta voix is a reading aloud competition, open to Francophone stream students in Years 1-6, with presentations taking place during Week 11. More information can be found in students’ homework booklets.

This activity is organised in partnership with AAFEBS (Australian Association of French-English Bilingual Schools). Finalists selected from KHPS will go on to compete against other AAFEBS network schools.

Week 9 & 10: Rehearse the delivery of the text at home
W11: Presentation of the text at school

Illustration competition, “les faux amis” 

The students have been working hard in class to complete their illustration for the competition with Camberwell Primary School (CPS). In Week 8, voting for the “Coup de Cœur” and “Prix de Jury” took place. Judges and students from CPS voted for the work of KHPS students, and judges and students from KHPS voted for the work of CPS students. Congratulations to the winners!

“Prix de Jury” winners are:

• Year 3: George Y.
• Year 4: Chloé M.
• Year 5: Hugo B.
• Year 6: Sofia P.

“Coup de Coeur” winners are :

• Year 3: Laura H
• Year 4: Clara Q
• Year 5: Yann G.
• Year 6: Finn K.

Programs

L’Etude Homework Club for Anglophone stream students

Hurray! We can now confirm the launch of the Etude Homework Club for Anglophone stream students for Term 2: Monday 3pm - 4pm, for students from Years 3 to 6.

Thank you to the parents who have expressed their interest to join, and we look forward to launching this new homework group. Every exposure to French reinforces students’ learning.

To enrol, please write us with your child’s details to admin@fanssydney.org. Enrolments are on a first come, first served basis. This group is available as a separate enrolment at a cost of $25 per session and are invoiced per term.

FANS Invoices

As a not-for-profit, the FANS budget relies on program fees to cover teacher salaries. Thank you to those who have already made payments.

As per the automated reminder emails, all unpaid invoices are now overdue and will start accruing late fees. Please check your various inboxes and make a prompt payment.

If you have any questions or require assistance, please confidentially contact us to discuss options: admin@fanssydney.org

Social

Alliance Française French Film Festival at Roseville Cinemas - FANS member rate

What a huge success at the cinema! FANS is thrilled with the enthusiastic community response to see the many French-language films on offer, with around 50 FANS tickets sold to see The Count of Monte Cristo on Saturday evening.

It’s not too late to join fellow FANS parents, students and alumni at the Alliance Française French Film Festival with discounted tickets of $17 per person at Roseville Cinemas.

NEW session!
Riviera Revenge
Monday 31 March, 7:00pm
Comedy

Get tickets

Best regards,

Anne Bentley
GM FANS

Australia's Harmony Day was celebrated on Friday 21st March. At KHPS, we will be combining our celebration of this important day with Francophonie Week and recognise this important day on this Wednesday 26th March (Week 9). 

Harmony Day provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our diverse community and promote inclusion and respect for all cultures. We would love for everyone to participate in the celebrations by wearing orange on this day – the official colour of Harmony Day – or by showcasing elements that highlight cultural diversity. Whether it’s through traditional clothing, cultural accessories, or simply wearing orange, every gesture counts in showing our support for this important day. 

No gold coin donation is needed.

Dear Parents and Carers, 

We would like to extend an open invitation to all parents to attend physical assemblies throughout the year. 

Physical assemblies:

- are held in our school hall on Fridays at 1:45-2:15 approximately.

-  involve acknowledging country, singing the national anthem and school song, disseminating information to students and acknowledging student achievements such as presenting Respect, Responsibility or Success awards.  

Please be aware that staff will not be letting parents know if and when their child will be receiving an award or specific acknowledgement at any particular assembly. 

We look forward to sharing this part of our week with you if you are ever able to attend.

Anna Kelly 
Assemblies Coordinator