Jane Somerville - Deputy Principal Years 7 & 10

This term Year 7 have had a focus on being in the Right Place at the Right Time and I am sure we can all agree that being present in the classroom is crucial for acquiring new skills and knowledge. Teachers design their lessons to build upon previous ones so regular attendance ensures that students do not miss out on instruction, discussions, and hands-on activities that are integral to their academic development. I have had the joy of watching students progress with their buck drumming, present their historical artefacts and converse in Italian this term and this is a result of their ongoing engagement in lessons. Active participation in class also allows students to engage directly with teachers and peers. This engagement helps to reinforce learning, encourages critical thinking, and fosters a collaborative environment where students can share ideas and solve problems together. If you have concerns about your student and their level of engagement in the classroom, please reach out to their classroom teacher so that we can get them back on track with their learning and have them ready for success in Semester Two.

Year 10 are starting to understand the importance of completing assessment tasks on time to meet the requirements of their Record of School Achievement (RoSA). Handing in work by the due dates also teaches students important skills such as time management and responsibility. These are a key component of the assessment process. They help teachers gauge student progress, identify areas where additional support may be needed, and adjust their teaching. Consistently meeting deadlines allows for a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of a student’s abilities and knowledge. If your student has not completed assessments from this semester, you can contact the school and speak to their teacher for additional support. It is crucial to communicate with the school if your child is struggling with coursework. Teachers can provide additional resources and support to help students overcome challenges. It is important that the school is aware of any issues and can work with you to address them.

Looking Ahead:

Next term Year 10 will engage in a number of steps around subject selection for Year 11 2025. While it seems a long way off, there are a lot of steps involved in getting subjects running for next year. Students in Year 10 will spend TWO days in week 1 of next term ‘trying’ Year 11 courses to be able to understand if the courses are what they are interested in studying as part of their HSC. They will then have the opportunity to clarify their choices with Head Teachers and Mrs Tilden the Career’s Advisor to make sure they have selected the correct courses for their pattern of study. It is important for all students to complete the subject selection process for 2025, even if they are not sure if they are returning to Kurri High School.

Year 12 will begin their Trial HSC examinations week 1 and 2 of Term 3. Teachers will be planning to do ‘masterclass’ lessons in the holidays to prepare students for the examinations so please keep an eye out on our social media platforms so you know when these are happening and can encourage students to attend. They are a great source of revision and teachers will be able to ensure that students are focusing on the right ways to prepare for their specific exams. The exams are scheduled to start on Monday 22nd July and will be held at Kurri TAFE (except for Music examination which will be held at the school) so that it is quieter for the students, allowing them to focus on doing their best. Students have received an individualised timetable, however, if they have misplaced it, they can access a copy of the timetable through their Year group Canvas Course. If a student is unwell during this time, it is important for parents to inform the school as soon as possible and for the student to complete an Illness and Misadventure Appeal Form (which can also be accessed via their Year group Canvas course). This allows the school to make the necessary arrangements for catch up examinations to ensure that students are getting the experience of sitting a HSC style examination and finalising their assessments. It is important that students arrive at the TAFE at least 15 minutes before the start time of each exam in order to locate the room and to go through the documentation that is required before they start. We will be following the NESA rules around examinations which include:

Students can wear a watch, but it should be taken off and placed in clear view on their desk once they sit down to begin their exam. Please note that programmable watches (eg. Smart watches) and mobile phones are not permitted in the exam room.

Further information around the rules for the examinations can be accessed here:

I hope that everyone enjoys the upcoming break and uses the time to rest, recover and be ready for Term 3 and all that it will bring!!

Joshua Brown – Deputy Principal Year 8 and 11

Year 8

This Term a major focus was on Year 8 students being prepared to learn, ensure students were at class, equipment out and bags in the designated areas, for a seamless transition into the learning activities. Year 8 have been lucky enough to participate in a Police Liaison officer talk regarding Cyber safety, as this issue is becoming more prevalent for the general population it is important to educate the students on the dangers associated with social media and the strategies, they can take to ensure they remain safe online. If any students or parents would like further information regarding Cyber Safety the eSafety commissioner site is full of content to support students and their families navigate the ever-changing social media landscape.

Year 8 Wellbeing activity, a massive thank you for Ms Bailey and her organisation of a movie on the big screen for our amazing Year 8 students. Ms Bailey went the extra mile ensure students were provided with popcorn to enjoy the film.

Year 11

Year 11 are moving along well in their respective courses, a focus on producing quality class and assessment work is paramount to success in Stage 6. Students are encouraged to create study timetables particularly as we head into Term 3. If students require assistance please let Ms Hinchey, Ms Trayhurn or myself know and will support students to set this up.

Year 11 Camp, Ms Trayhurn’s effort and drive to ensure Year 11 participate in a camp in 2024, allowed for notes to be sent home earlier in the term with Term 4 Week 4 the selected time. This camp will form part of the compulsory Life Ready program that students in Stage 6 must complete before graduation. Please ensure students are prepared for the camp and their behaviour is at an acceptable level to represent the school.

Hands on Learning

Mr Garrard as always is working hard with a small number of our Year 10 students on projects around the school that are building their skill sets in collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity outside of a traditional classroom. I would like to thank Mr Garrard for his efforts in ensuring the successful implementation and progression of this program. We have also appreciated the support of Marc from Hands on Learning and his recent visit with the staff and students.

Students are currently working on planta boxes, seating construction and a doghouse. See the full story in FEATURE NEWS.

Year 9 Elective moving into Year 10, 2025

A new elective is being introduced for Year 10,2025. The elective will be based around Student Interest groups. Students will select an area of interest whether it be career, business, sporting interest, art-based interest. The elective will be for 100 hours and can be picked up in Year 10, 2025. Students will need to keep an eye out in Term 3 for the release of this elective.

Year 10 Curriculum

Year 10 students are encouraged to submit their work to a high standard in every piece of class or assessment work they complete. Students who are not doing so will be having meeting to discuss their eligibility for the ROSA at the end of Year 10. If students have missed assessment tasks, they need to speak with their teachers as soon as possible to rectify the task.

Looking ahead into Term 3 Year 10 will have an array of tasks coming their way and will have their organisational and time management skills tested. Students are encouraged to start their tasks as soon as they receive them. Any questions regarding class tasks please contact the student's classroom teacher or subject head teacher.

Expectations

Uniform – please ensure students are coming to school in school uniform, if there are any difficulties in sourcing uniform, we are more than happy to provide uniform through our WELs centre for the day.

Phones and Air pods – If students choose to bring a phone to school it must be kept in their Yonda pouch for the duration of the school day. If students are caught with a phone or air pod at school they are required to place the device in a staffroom or Deputy lockbox.

As always if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school and we will endeavour to get in touch as soon as possible.

Kasey Brady - Deputy Principal Years 9 & 12

Term 2 has been a very busy for Year 9 and 12 with lots of learning taking place resulting in the completion of high-quality assessment tasks to demonstrate the skills, knowledge and understanding they have developed throughout the semester. I have had the privilege of reading all reports for both year groups and some students should be proud of their effort and results this semester.

Year 12 are busy preparing with their teachers for HSC Trial examinations. A reminder that these examinations start of Monday July 22nd at Kurri TAFE, students are to go straight to the TAFE. It is important that students are consistently revising their work to ensure they are able to demonstrate the understanding and have this reflected in their results. Good Luck everyone.

Year 9 have had a busy term participating in university visits, sporting competitions, sports carnival, wellbeing week activities and exploring the extra curricular activities available to them at KKHS. Next term they will be going on camp, please contact year advisors for more information. Thank you to Mr Asvestas and Mr Berry, and the Wels team for their ongoing support of Year 9 this term.

Year 7 - 11 reports will be published via Sentral Parent Portal at the end of Term 2. Students in Years 7-9 have reflected on their own learning throughout the semester which gives valuable insight into how students see their own learning progressing and where they need to improve throughout Semester 2. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s learning, please contact their classroom teacher. If you do not yet have access to the Sentral Parent Portal, please contact the office for this to be organised. There will be a Parent-Teacher night early Term 3 to give you an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and their report.

Year 7 2025 had their first transition visit to KKHS this term and from all reports everyone had a wonderful day and all students are looking forward to returning in Term 4 for their final transition visit before joining us next year. Unfortunately we had to postpone the Parent Information session, we will be rescheduling for early Term 3, please keep an eye on KKHS socials for dates and more information will be sent to Primary school when the date has been determined.

2025 Year 8-10 High Potential and Gifted Education class application process will begin early next term. The information regarding the application process will be communicated to parents and students via email, along with KKHS website and social media, please ensure your email address is correct so you don’t miss important information as it is released.

A reminder that KKHS is a uniform school, and all students are expected to be in full school uniform every day. It is also the expectation that all students are ready to learn every lesson, every day. Please support your child by reminding them to charge their laptop every night and bring books, pens and charged laptop every day and phones need to remain in Yondr pouches at all times. Enjoy a safe and happy break and get ready for Term 3.

Toni Wilson - Deputy Principal Inclusion & Support

Kuta-kaya staffing

I would like to welcome our new permanent Head Teacher Special Education to Kuta-kaya. Mrs Beth Murray started this term and is a welcomed member of our team.

Mr Stephen Hook returns to his class teacher position and we thank him for his support. Mr Jarrod Johnson has stepped up as relieving head teacher when Mrs Murray is absent.

Attendance

During the winter months we often see a decline in student attendance. If your child is going to be absent from school, please notify the school to explain. The easiest way of doing this to respond to the absence text message that is sent out daily to parents and carers. This way the explanation can be recorded.

Truancy – It is equally important that all students are where they should be every lesson. Right Place, Right Time. This is for your child’s safety as well as for their ongoing learning development.

Attendance Improvement Plan meetings are happening for all students under 70% as well as those students who have ongoing truancy concerns.

If you have any concerns regarding your child’s attendance, please contact Ms Wilson, Mrs Da Silva or Student Support Officer Megan Gillespie

Mobile Phones

A timely reminder to all Kurri Kurri High Students. Students are not allowed to use mobile phones at school, including during recess and lunch. When students enter the school grounds of a morning, their phone and any associated devices such as EarPods need to be locked in their Yondr pouch. They can then unlock their pouch using one of the many unlocking stations located around the school at the end of the day.

This is an NSW statewide ban for all public schools.

Online Safety – Tips for parents and Carers

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