"......the first message I am privileged to write for the school journal ...." A message from Killara High School's first Principal: “Our School has opened with an enrolment of 480 pupils in three forms and fourteen classes. The appreciation shown by the children of the modern buildings and pleasant grounds is a firm foundation on which they will now create a prestige school based on their enthusiasm, their academic ability and the commendable send of community responsibility. The School Council recently elected by the pupils is now discussing, among other matters of school government, the selection of a badge and motto….. I am confident that this – the first message I am privileged to write for the school journal – will be the precursor of many, each expressing more pleasure in the achievements and progress of our Killara High School.”
T.E. HORNIBROOK. Principal [Source: The Killara High School News, April 1970. Published by the Killara High Parents & Citizens’ Association.]
1970: KHS was the first high school to be built in the Gordon electorate.
In 1970, the 1st Principal of KHS was Mr Hornibrook. He wrote his 1st Principal’s message in The Killara News in April, 1970.
1971:
The first issue of KHS’s school magazine, The Green Years, was published in 1971.
A scheme was initiated in 1971 at KHS which involved six senior pupils in the administration and running of the school. These students were elected as FourthForm [year 10] Representatives. They assisted in the running of assemblies, were responsible for the conduct on buses, and played a large part in keeping the buildings and grounds tidy.
1972:
In 1972, a Junior The Red Cross group was started. One of the Red Cross’s field officers showed films and addressed students interested about the work of the Red Cross. An inaugural meeting was held, with 72 KHS students. Some of the activities for the year included: a display of biscuits, cakes and jams for the annual Red Cross Exhibition in the Town Hall; a toffee and cake day to raise funds for the new club at KHS; donations of hand-painted and dressed toys for two children’s homes; and donations to the Spastic Centre’s annual fete. Eight KHS students spent a Saturday at the children’s home at Cronulla, and further visits planned to the girls’ home at Bowral. They also were involved in a new pilot schemes aimed at bringing together overseas students and Australian students especially to give students opportunity to meet Australians families in their homes.
In 1972, there were fifth form classes [year 11] for the first time.
In 1972, the following firsts occurred at KHS: a family barbecue; a dinner dance (for parents); and a student’s dance.
1973:
In 1973, for the first time, there was a plan for KHS to be used as a polling booth on November 17, for the State Elections.
1974:
In 1974, KHS held their swimming carnival at Lane Cove pool for the first time. Sport houses were reallocated and two new houses were introduced.
In 1974, KHS had six fairly experienced male singers who were part of KHS Choral singers. They performed at the annual Choral Festival, which was at the Opera House in 1974. Two of the male singers were tenors and the other four were basses. They sang Carmina Burana by Karl Orff, and Gloria by Vivaldi.
1975:
In 1975, the house [part of KHS’s buildings until recently] was first used for debating, weightlifting, rehearsals and storage of theatrical props.
In 1975, there were new Modern and Ancient History syllabuses implemented in Form 5 [year 11]. This included the addition of Middle Eastern topics in Ancient History, and World History from 1953 to the present day in Modern History.
In 1975,Senior Textiles and Design began at KHS.
In 1975, KHS became the first high school ever to hold 3 important debatingtrophies:
the Teasdale Cup won by the 1974 Teasdale team
the National Times Debating Trophy won by the NSW Debating team of which a Form 6 [year 12] KHS female student was a member
the Watoto Shield won by Form 3 [year 9] boys in the 1975 City of Sydney Eisteddfod.
In April 1975, the State Swimming Carnival was held over two days, and for the first time, it was co-ed. A number of KHS students competed at the carnival.
1976:
In 1976, female KHS students were able to wear winter slacks during the winter months.
In 1976, KHS ex-students held their first function in the form of a ‘wine and cheese’ afternoon/evening. It was held at the house at a cost of $1 per head.
1976 was the first year that year 12 students sitting for the HSC were confronted with the new Unit System. All students who have satisfactorily followed courses in the senior years, received a Higher School Certificate, with their subjects listed by asystem of grading. With the School Certificate, all students would be graded for each subject at the same level, but within the range of 1-10.
1976 was the first year that male students studied Textiles in 1st Form [year 7], and senior boys studied seniorTextiles and Design.
In 1976, the subject of Technics was introduced to KHS. Some of the ‘lobes of study’ included: metalwork basic, woodwork basic, power mechanics, leather work, cabinet work, building construction, electricity, sheet metalwork, and art Metalwork.
In 1976, KHS won the Zone Swimming Carnival for the first time.
In 1976, KHS entered a 1st Form team [year 7] in the Saturday morning Girls’Hockey Competition.
1977:
1977 was the first year first year KHS had ex-students who were university graduates.
In 1977, KHS for the first time joined other Northside High schools in displaying art works at the Hornsby Shire’s Society’s Exhibition at Pennant Hills Community Centre in early August.
In 1977, KHS held their 1st Annual Student Exhibition of art works. It was held in the house at the end of Term 3, 1977. Parents and visiting primary schools as well as KHS students viewed the exhibition.
In 1977, for the first time the HSC results would be a composite result based on 50% of the examination marked gained at the HSC examination, and 50% of the School estimate. The school estimate was the mark which the school predicts for a candidate’s performance at the examination. It was not the same thing as a school assessment. These school estimates were adjusted by the Examination Branch to provide comparability between the estimates provided by the school throughout the State. The composite mark of the two results were then subjected to scaling procedures to obtain the final mark for the candidate in the subject.
In 1977, a photographic club commenced under the patronage of a teacher from the Art Department, and a teacher from the Social Science Department. The first major project of the club was a photographic competition open to all school members. Prizes were awarded, and a selection of photographs would appear in the school magazine. By November 1977, the club hoped to obtain a dark room for 1978, and hopes were underway for several projects, including the video taping of the 1977 school musical Bye Bye Birdie.
In 1977, two senior Prefects for KHS were elected – one male and one female student.
1978:
In 1978, KHS held its 10th anniversary. To commemorate this, a 10th AnniversaryDinner was held at 7.30 pm on Monday 25th September 1978, at the Willoughby Town Hall. The function was organised by a committee with representatives of the P&C, the Ladies Auxiliary, staff, ex-parents and ex-students. The dinner was the school’s first major reunion of people involved with KHS.
In 1978, KHS held their first Japanese festival. It was a small festival with the co-operation of the Japanese mothers and guests. It was aimed at giving students a taste of the Japanese festive spirit, and to motivate the students to use their Japanese language, as well as sampling Japanese food and music etc.
In the weeks leading up to the event, students made origami and cards to sell on stalls, and prepared acts for the concert held in the stage room. A tea ceremony was performed by a group of Japanese ladies who attend the Tea Ceremony regularly at a tea-house in Epping. A young Australian guest played the ‘koto’, a traditional Japanese instrument at intervals.
Japanese mothers made various kinds of Japanese foods such as yakitori (chicken on skewers); onigiri (rice balls); kushidango (rice dumplings); chirashizushi (vingared rice with prawns etc); and okonomiyaki (Japanese omelette).
Some students wore kimonos, and six Japanese exchange students from other schools joined KHS for the afternoon.
In 1978, KHS initiated a political forum for year 12 students (year 11 were meant to be at the forum also, but due to space constraints they were unable to attend the assembly). Representatives from the major political parties attended an assembly which was held on Monday 31st July. Each representative addressed the students, giving a brief history of their party, and a summary of their party’s philosophy and platform.
Representatives came from the following parties:
The Australian Labor Party
The Australian Democratic Party
The Communist Party of Australia
The Liberal Party
The National Country Party
Due to the success of this forum, it was aimed to make this an annual event.
In 1978, a School Musicale evening was inaugurated and performed at the St Ives HS assembly hall. The musical activities of KHS and its feeder primary schools were merged, and a program was produced.
In 1978, the Ku-ring-gai Toastmasters’ Club offered to conduct a youth leadership course. The first course of its kind at KHS involved tuition in the art of public speaking, and was to be held out of school hours in the school house, with skilled instructors. It was an eight week course, and included how to prepare an agenda, conduct meetings and make speeches. The purpose was to allow students to gain a degree of maturity when they are called to ‘say a few words’.
In 1978, Technics became a subject for the School Certificate.
In 1978, KHS started a history club with participation of 50 students from years 7-10. One of their activities was being involved with a history supplement for the school magazine.
1979:
In 1979, a Language Festival was held for the first time.
In 1979, the introduction of peer counselling of year 7 students by some of KHS year 11 students commenced.
In 1979, the first recipient of the Principal’s prize for composition was a year 11 KHS music student, who was awarded the prize at KHS’s Annual Speech Night.
In 1979, the first KHS student to be on a student exchange with KHS’s sister school in Kumamoto High School in Japan was a year 12 KHS female student.
In 1979, the Art Department [now part of the Creative and Performing Arts faculty (CAPA] inaugurated their new 1 Unit course called “Creative Ceramics”.
In 1979, the English Department at KHS established a school drama club.
In 1979, the first KHS school team won the Zone Rugby Premiership in 11 years of competition. They won 32-4 against North Sydney after being scoreless for almost 20 minutes.
In 1979, a new year 7 music syllabus was implemented at KHS, which led to the development of a two-year module covering the junior school (years 7-8).
In 1979, a percussion ensemble was formed at KHS, with many new instruments purchased by the P&C.
In 1979, a new zone sport organisation was introduced. To allow year 12 boys to complete summer competition, and not interfere with exam preparation, summer sport from 1979 began in Term III and concluded in Term I, the following year.
In 1979, new resources at the KHS Lion Library were purchased for the new Australian History course which was introduced into the HSC syllabus.
In 1979, a meeting was held for the first time in KHS Lion Library for all the librarians in the Gordon inspectorate – from independent and state schools, primary feeder schools and the Ku-ring-gai libraries.
In 1979, for the first time, KHS invited year 6 students from their feeder primary schools, to visit for a morning of high school lessons. On three mornings, between 60-70 year 6 primary children visited KHS. They were broken into class groups and each group had 4 lessons, following a special timetable worked out for them by the subject masters. Their primary school teachers were with them during lessons.
In 1979, the first ever language festival was held at KHS.
In 1979, a female KHS student was the first student from KHS to win an exchangescholarship to Germany in December 1979. She was one of 25 students chosen across Australia.
1980:
In 1980, the first year 10 Work Experience program was organised by KHS. All year 10 students participated. It occurred during April 1980. Students had to find their own job, and were helped if they could not do so themselves. Employers were given a ‘letter of introduction’, which outlined the Work Experience Scheme, and informed them of insurance coverage, and Industrial Relations and Technology Regulations etc. The program was evaluated by the employer, parent, student and school.
In 1980, the KHS U/15 Rugby team were the first team to win a Rugby Premiership from KHS. They were also a semi-finalist of the State Knockout Buchan Shield.
In 1980, KHS’s combined cross country and run-a-thon was held at Ku-ring-gaiHigh School for the first time, where there was an excellent and demanding course.
In 1980, a female KHS student was one of the composers featured by the ABC, in a series of programs on Radio 2 entitled ‘Young Composers’.
In 1980, the first group of “Z” students in French and German began, with a two year program for beginners taking up a foreign language study in year 11, with an emphasis on developing speaking and reading skills.
In 1980, KHS senior students were addressed by the following organisations:
The Army
The Bank of NSW
Computer Science of Australia
Crown Corning Pty Ltd
Visits also were made available for students in the following:
Royal North Shore Hospital
Ryde College of Catering Studies & Hotel Administration
North Sydney Technical College
In 1980, the main project undertaken by KHS’s Prefects was an anti-smokingcampaign. The campaign included films obtained from the NSW Cancer Council viewed by almost all of the school; posters displayed throughout the school and a successful poster competition with money donated by the P&C for prizes.
1981:
1981 was the first time that KHS’s Home Economics Department implemented 3 Unit Syllabuses in Home Science and in Textiles and Design.
1981 was the first year the Physical Education Department [now the PDHPE Faculty] became a separate Department at KHS. Year 7 KHS students were divided into three mixed boys and girls groups for PE lessons. Also the introduction of a Basic Skills program, one period per week was introduced for all year 7 students. It was aimed as a link between primary and high school, with emphasis on basicmovements common to many sports e.g. hand-eye, foot-eye coordination, balance and control over body movements.
In 1981, KHS School Band was formed.
1982:
1982 was the first time that KHS had School Captains. The elections had been held in December 1981. This in turn was thought to also perhaps signify the first establishment of the Prefect Body as an essential element in the life of the school. 24 Prefects chose the School Captains, and two other students were chosen as the Senior Prefects. The main project for the prefects in 1982 was to be the restoration of the ecology area at the school; and the maintenance of KHS’s World Vision program though which KHS students support 6 children in Ecuador, Taiwan, the Philippines, Nigeria and Guatemala.
In April 1982, KHS held their first speech night at Willoughby Town Hall. The guest speaker was a female ex-student who attended KHS from 1970-1975. She was about to go to Oxford University in October 1982 as the Commonwealth RhodesScholar. The Town hall was completely filled.
In 1982 the prefect election was held just before the August vacation and a group of year 11 student were elected prefects for the ensuing year. A feature of the election was that for the first time, equal numbers of boys and girls were elected.
1984:
In November 1984, the first contingent of KHS’s German students left Australia for a 3 month stay in Germany. Five female KHS students were participating in the Australian-German student exchange program and were billeted with families for three months in southern Germany. It was anticipated in early 1985 their host friends would come to Australian for a return three month stay.
1986:
In 1986, KHS’s prefects continued their support of the charity, Stewart House. This included assisting at the annual Stewart House concert at the Town Hall, visiting Stewart House, and helping at the annual general meeting. KHS prefects’ efforts were rewarded when they were presented with the Roy Reidy Cup in recognition of KHS’s support as the school who had raised the most money for them. This was the first time KHS had won this award.
In 1986, a submission for an approved course in Creative Textiles was accepted, and the first intake of KHS students began this course.
1987:
In 1987, the first boy’s team from KHS to win a hockey premiership was Open B Hockey.
1989:
For the first time, KHS male students were involved in dance events. Some were volunteers at the Rock Eisteddfod, while others danced in a sequence in the school’s musical, Guys and Dolls.
1989 saw the introduction of a new Economics Syllabus for Year 11, which followed through into year 12 in 1990. Also, the new Geography Syllabus was being taught to year 12, 1989 for the first time.
In 1989, both year 9 and year 11 economics students saw the Coca-Cola’s plant in operation during fieldwork. As a consequence, one of KHS students appeared in a new advertisement.
In 1989, the inaugural year 12 'Ekuba' was held.
In 1989, KHS had its first international food fair. Parents and teachers supported one another to make this function a success.
In 1989, a male KHS student, won the first 'Sale of the Century' studentchampionship on the Channel 9 TV series. He was the first student in NSW to win the championship since it began 1987. He won over $50,000 worth of prizes. He also won an Amigo computer system valued at $6,990.00 that was to be used for graphic design work in the school’s arts, industrial arts and textiles courses.
1990:
In 1990, a new senior course called ‘Society and Culture’ was introduced in the Social Science Department [now called the Human Society & its Environments Faculty (HSIE)].
1990 saw the start of the Year 7 dance group at KHS.
1991:
In 1991, the new subject, Computing Studies was introduced at KHS.
In 1991, a Native Speakers course in Japanese was introduced for year 11 students at KHS.
In 1991, a year 12 KHS student scored 50/50 in 3 Unit Chinese in the HSC. This score had never been achieved before in the State.
In 1991, year 12 KHS students prepared for the HSC subject Society and Culture for the first time. Students were required to present personal interest projects on a topic of interest to them and were as diverse as homeless people and intercultural differences.
In 1991, year11 and 12 economics students entered the inaugural economics competition organised by the University of NSW. Three KHS were among 25 students from NSW who received High Distinction Certificates.
In 1991, 110 students of dance, drama and music attended the inaugural KillaraHighPerforming Arts Camp at Collaroy. The aim of the camp was to bring students together as a cohesive group; to develop and refine skills; and to prepare for presentation night and other public performances. A ‘Concert-On-The Move’ was performed by all the students at the conclusion of the camp.
At the end of 1991, a ‘link’ was established with Macquarie University. KHS was chosen as the first school in what the university hoped would become an extensive network. The aim was to facilitate visits, in both directions, so that for example, a professor from the University would come to the school to talk to senior students of English and Drama about Shakespeare. Through this ‘link’, various initiatives were taken, including an Opportunities for Girls day at the University; and visits by university staff for the Boys in Balance project. A work-party from each organisation was set up, and both parties met and set up initiatives for 1992.
In 1991,Computing Studies was introduced for students in year 11.
In 1991, an innovative project for talented students called Visions ’91, was conceived by the Art Department [now the Creative and Performing Arts Department (CAPA)]. It was taken up by students and teachers in Industrial Arts, Home Economics, Computing and English.
In 1991, KHS started working towards creating a resource room from which a variety of support programs could emanate for students with learning difficulties.
1992:
The Kerrabee Centre, KHS’s multi-purpose centre, was designed by former a KHS student and university medalist in architecture. As a jointly funded school community project, the construction of the Kerrabee Centre was the first of its kind in NSW. A building committee compromising staff and parents was formed in 1992 to oversee the planning, tendering, supervision and completion of the facility.
In 1992, two KHS students – one from year 9 and one from year 11 were selected in the first Metropolitan North Region Dance Ensemble. They were invited to perform at the McDonalds Sydney Eisteddfod's Gala Evening among other prestigious events.
In 1992, the English Department formed “The English Club”. This was set up for students to meet to discuss, write, produce, direct, edit or be involved in English related activities. Two groups formed – one on Mondays and another on Wednesdays.
In 1992, Business Studies was offered to year 11 for the first time at KHS.
Electronics – a technics subject – was introduced into year 8 at KHS in 1992.
1992 saw the first group of HSC candidates in Computing Studies. At KHS there were two year 12 classes with three classes that followed in year 11.
Year 11 students learnt how to use a database, a word processor, a spreadsheet, a modem and a printer, as well as simple programming skills. It also looks at the social implications of computers.
Year 12 had a choice of four out of seven options. Both classes studies electronic spreadsheets, computers and communications. One class chose computer graphics and database systems as their other options, while the other class chose computer-controlled systems and further programming
In 1992, two new courses for year 11 students – Legal Studies and BusinessStudies.
.1993:
KHS’s annual musical, which was Little Shop of Horrors in 1993, was the first musical staged in the new Kerrabee Theatre.
1993 saw the first year KHS entered the Tournament of Minds, an Australia wide competition. Seven students from years 7-9 were given 6 weeks to prepare creative solutions to one of 3 long-term problems. The problems categories from which they choose were: Language, Literature, Social Sciences or Maths – Engineering. They presented their findings at Macquarie University.
In 1993, KHS’s mixed choir was invited to sing with the Ku-ring-gai PhilharmonicOrchestra for the first time.
1999:
In 1999, KHS was the only school to be honoured with the visit by Her Serene HighnessPrincess Siriwanwaree of Thailand. She was accompanied her father, the Crown Prince of Thailand. The 12-year-old princess was herself in her first year of secondary school, located within the Royal Palace of Thailand. During her visit she was to be greeted by children around her own age, and it was planned that she would take part in two or three lessons. She was most impressed with the music and dance performances, and the year 12 Industry Studies class.
2003:
In 2003, KHS introduced school-led expeditions for the Duke ofEdinburgh Gold Award. There were 20 year KHS students in the first expedition.
2006:
A Head Teacher Teaching and Learning was established at KHS for the first time in 2006. 2008:
In 2008, twelve KHS students from years 7-9 keen on cricket, gathered at Koola Oval in November for the 1st session of the KHS Cricket Academy. The rationale behind the Academy was primarily to have fun and improve cricketing skills, but also to give elite cricketers in yearrs 7-9 exposure to the expertise of a former New Zealand Cricketer, and a parent from KHS. It also allows the boys to bond into a team at a young age, which will increase the likelihood of a high level of performance once they are in senior years of school, and competing for the Davidson Shield. The Academy’s aim was to provide the boys with at least 2 ‘friendly’ matches with schools in the area before the end of 2008.
In 2008,thirty year 11 KHS students, alongside friends and family, participated for the first time in the Dove Pink Star Walk. The walk, which began at the entrance to the Botanical Gardens, spiraled through the nightlife of Circular Quay and ended in Cockle Bay. Held annually in aid of the National Breast Cancer Foundation, all proceeds go towards the funding of research for prevention and cure of breast cancer.