Message from our 

Campus Principal

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

It has been fantastic to be back at school and I have been thrilled to see all of our students getting back into the swing of things so well this year.  In particular, our Year 7s have settled in really well and it has been a pleasure getting to know them over the first three weeks and see them taking to secondary school life so well.  So much is learnt in the first three weeks of high school that serves them throughout their secondary schooling life, such as opening their lockers, finding their way around, making new friendships and forming relationships with new sets of teachers.  They have gained a clearer understanding of the expectations of secondary school and are eagerly working to meet those.  

Our Year 7 Welcome BBQ was an incredible event and we were pleased to see such a great turnout.  This opportunity to meet families and understand their concerns and gains in the first two weeks is really important.  It was also great to see kids introducing their parents to new friends and showing parents around the school that the students now call their own.  This is pride and excitement that we endeavour to foster for their remaining years of schooling.

UNIFORM

We have been working hard with students and families to improve the standard of uniform.  This includes plain white or navy blue long sleeves under uniform shirts, navy blue shorts or tracksuit pants, leggings only when they are the Kurnai ones purchased from Lowes (not yet available anyway).  Where families are experiencing hardship in obtaining the necessary items, they should contact their relevant Team Leader for assistance.  We have avenues that we can access to provide that support in many cases.  In some cases, Lowes have had difficulty with stock.  When this is appearing as an issue, we have been lending items for students to change into.  Please remember that the College accepts both the old uniform and the new one – there is no expectation to get rid of the old uniform items.  Other varieties of colours and styles that do not meet our uniform requirements are being challenged by Team Leaders.

NAPLAN

We are starting to prepare for the delivery of NAPLAN to all Year 7s and 9s later in the term.  This involves ensuring all students’ devices are connected to the network.  Soon all students will engage in a NAPLAN practice test to ensure that they are comfortable with the process of logging on.  We will be trying to make the four tests as stress-free as possible while still encouraging students to achieve their best and aim high.  Students will have one test every second day to reduce the fatigue of testing.  Whilst parents receive a copy of the results of their individual child, the College’s focus is on the skill strengths and deficits of the cohort; understanding how we can help them achieve further as a group.  If you have any queries or concerns with regards to NAPLAN, please contact Learning Specialists, Patrick McGrath or Karen Anders, to discuss them further.

STAFF CHANGES

I’m sure that families will be aware of the teacher shortages that are affecting most schools across the state and nation.  Kurnai has been able to hold up strong against these issues in recent years, but we have started this year with some of our staff still being resolved.  I’m pleased to say that with the arrival of another new permanent staff member this week, Jeff Derkacs, we have been able to ensure a stable program for our students.  Whilst there may be some minor changes ahead as we continue to attempt to recruit more teachers, students will see continuity of lessons,  practice and education.