Finding Potential, Developing Talent - Making the Difference

Welcome back to a wonderful new term at KHPS! We’re thrilled to introduce our new substantive Deputy Principal, Mrs. Kylie Davidson.

This past Monday, our dedicated staff engaged in professional learning focused on High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE), reflecting the NSW Department of Education’s commitment to enriching every student’s educational journey, especially those with exceptional talents. Our team took part in collaborative workshops to deepen their understanding of HPGE policies and explore strategies to nurture our high potential learners across various domains.

The sessions were filled with practical ideas for tailoring instruction and creating enriching experiences that address our students’ diverse needs. Our teachers received valuable tools and resources to implement these effective practices in the classroom, building on the many exciting opportunities already available at KHPS in areas like coding, visual arts, mathematics, debating, French, writing, sport, dance, drama, and music.

On Tuesday, our staff also completed their annual CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) training, reinforcing our commitment to student safety and ensuring we're prepared for any emergencies.

With the insights gained from our recent professional learning, we are empowered to uncover potential, develop talent, and truly make a difference for our students. As we embark on this inspiring journey together, let’s remember that every child has the potential to shine brightly. Thank you for your continued support as we nurture the leaders of tomorrow!

Best wishes to everyone,

Gillian Tegg

I am very proud to announce the recent book award winners. They are: Daphne, Sean, Penelope, Roman, Chloe, Jack, Myla, Sacha and Nora  Congratulations on learning and practising respectful, responsible and successful behaviour. 

Dear KHPS community 

I wish to introduce myself and express how privileged I am to be the Deputy Principal of your beautiful school. I come to Killarney from Willoughby PS as Relieving Deputy Principal and, prior to that, Assistant Principal of Frenchs Forest PS. As Deputy Principal, I lead with a passion for learning, collaboration, and inclusion.

My passion for learning led me to participate in the Aspiring Principals Leadership Program in 2020. As a graduate of this program, I earned a scholarship to study Masters of Educational Leadership. I feel my learning combined with deputy experience has prepared me well to step into the role of Deputy Principal.

In my first two days, I spent time getting to know the staff, and the pride in their work was evident. I noticed a strong sense of collegiality and collaboration within teams, and I am excited about what I will learn in your unique bilingual setting.

Today I spent time building connections by visiting the classrooms and meeting the children. I saw happy, engaged children who all told me their classroom was the friendliest and most exciting place in the school.

Finally, I would like to thank children and staff for their warm welcome. I am keen to get to know the families of KHPS, starting with the mother’s day afternoon tea Friday 9 May. If you see me at the gate or around the school, please come over and introduce yourself. I look forward to working in partnership with the community of KHPS to ensure children continue to experience success in their learning.

Kind regards

Kylie Davidson

Students can currently wear their choice of either full summer uniform or full winter uniform. This 'personal choice' period remains in place for a 2-week window until 9th May (to allow for seasonal weather variation and purchase of necessary items etc.). With the weather we have been experiencing this week, we are sure that many would be appreciating the warmer layers of the winter uniform.

All students should be wearing full winter uniform from 12th May (start Week 3 Term 2) including BLACK shoes, correct socks, correct hats and KHPS jumpers. Also, a quick reminder that jewellery items are not a part of the school uniform.

We thank parents for their support in ensuring our students are proudly wearing their correct school uniform. 

Anne McIntosh

Deputy Principal (Rel)

LEARNING

“Lève ta voix” reading aloud competition

Congratulations to the winners of “Leve ta voix! Raise your voice!” at the end of Term 1, a reading aloud competition across Australia as part of an AAFEBS (Australia Association of French-English Bilingual Schools) network collaboration.

The jury was most impressed by students' wonderful presentations and high reading level across all categories. Thanks to the parents who helped their children select a text and prepare for the competition.

The finals with other AAFEBS schools will take place over Zoom in Term 2. Merci à tous!

 
Category A (Year 1)  

Winner: Hugo H.

Category B (Years 2 - 3) 

Winner: Alice S. (not pictured)

Category C (Years 4 - 6)  

Winner: Juliette M. 

Pen Pals

Year 6 students in Swords and Navan have been enjoying their pen pal correspondence with students at Camberwell Primary School (CPS) in Victoria. Students have been writing and exchanging handwritten letters written in French, discovering the joys of receiving an envelope in the post!

This is one of the great projects we have in partnership with CPS this year.

Enrol now for Term 2: Anglophone stream L’Etude Homework Club

FANS is thrilled to launch 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.

SOCIAL

Couscous Royal Parents dinner & dancing evening

Saturday 17 May, 6pm - 11pm

It’s time for the annual parents dinner & dancing evening! Gather your friends for this legendary adults-only night out.  

Let's go to Morocco! 

The evening includes a glass of wine upon arrival, followed by a delicious catered meal of Couscous Royal served with wine. For dessert, enjoy authentic mint tea and some fruit. 

After the meal there will be music and dancing. Have a blast in the themed photo booth for a souvenir pic with friends! 

This epic annual party is a big sell-out, so book your babysitter and get your tickets now.

Tickets

World Music Day

Sunday 22 June, 10am - 4pm

This whole-school event is hosted and organised by KHPS, with the help of the P&C and FANS. This is the 4th edition of World Music Day at KHPS, featuring multiple stages to hear our school's bands, strings, and choirs perform.

To grow the event, the school will be welcoming other bands, strings and choirs from across the Northern Beaches and North Shore to create an even more musical day! 

Bring your family and friends to enjoy games, food, and celebrate a day of music on school grounds.  

As this is a fundraising event for the P&C and FANS, there will be a need for parent volunteers to make the day a success. Please stay tuned for a sign-up sheet.

ASSOCIATION

FANS General Manager Anne Bentley recently attended a meeting over the holidays at the French Consulate in Sydney for a discussion with Mme Anne Genetet, former Minister of National Education and current Member of Parliament for French citizens abroad representing French citizens living in Australia (11th circonscription).

Mme Genetet visited our school in 2021 to grant student awards, and is a keen admirer of our bilingual program, which she finds to be one of the best educational models.

Pictured from left to right: Anne Bentley (FANS), Alexandre De La Charrière (French Assist), Lyn Tuit (Association Nationale des Membres de l’Ordre National du Mérite), Anne Genetet, Sébastien Vallerie (Union of French Citizens Abroad, UFE).

Best regards,

Anne Bentley, GM FANS

Strings Rehearsals Term 2

Please check the dates below for the first Strings rehearsal days in Term 2.

Amadeus Ensemble: Wednesday 30 April

Friday Beginner Violin: Friday 2 May

Intermediate Harp: Friday 2 May

Monday Beginner Violin: Monday 5 May

Bach Ensemble: Monday 5 May

Beginner Cello: Tuesday 6 May

Corelli Strings: Tuesday 6 May

Beginner Harp

We are exploring the possibility of starting a Beginner Harp Ensemble open to all students from Year 1 onwards. This group will provide a supportive and fun environment for young musicians who are new to the harp. Rehearsals for the beginner group will be held on Thursdays from 3:10 to 3:55 pm.

If your child is curious about the harp and would like to give it a try then we would love to hear from you! Please send an email to khpsband@gmail.com for more information or to express your interest. Note the beginner harp group will require a minimum of five students to run. Please get in touch if you would like further information.

Strings Workshop for Amadeus, Bach and Corelli Ensembles

The Strings Workshop for Amadeus, Bach and Corelli Ensemble students will take place at KHPS this Sunday 4 May 2025 from 1 to 4 pm.

Enter: YELLOW Gate, Melwood Ave.

Arrive: 12:45 pm to register

Sessions start 1 pm!

What to Bring: Instruments, music, afternoon snack and drink bottle.

What to Wear: Free dress!

Please return by 4 pm to pick up students and enjoy a short performance. Please post to your ensemble chat if you are able to volunteer your time to help supervise the workshop sessions on Sunday.

Northern Beaches Instrumental Festival for Strings

Beginner Strings, Amadeus, Bach and Corelli Ensembles will be performing in the Northern Beaches Instrumental Festival (NBIF) held at Pittwater High School on Saturday 31 May 2025. All students are expected to attend the event and stay for the duration of their session (approximately 1.5 hours). Session times will be posted to the chats once they become available. The NBIF is a wonderful opportunity for all Strings students to play for family and friends in a relaxed festival setting. Each ensemble will also receive valuable feedback from experienced adjudicators and have the chance to listen to a range of string ensembles from other schools.

Thank you,

Strings Committee