Ms Kasey Brady - Years 7 &10

As the term draws to a close, it is pleasing to reflect on the achievements and efforts of both Year 7 and Year 10.

For Year 7, it has been their first experience of Education Week, Book Week, and the Fun Day/Colour Run as members of our high school community. Students embraced each event with enthusiasm and a strong sense of school spirit. They also participated in a Gala Day alongside local schools, enjoying a day of sport and connection. Reports from the day highlighted excellent sportsmanship, exemplary behaviour, and a commendable commitment to representing the school. In addition, Year 7 have been working diligently in their classes and completing assessment tasks with focus and effort. I extend my thanks to Mrs O’Halloran, Year 7 Advisor, for her ongoing commitment and support of Year 7 throughout the term.

Year 10 have also been engaged in a busy and important term. Students completed assessment tasks and examinations with maturity, and I commend them on their positive behaviour and determination to give their best. Beyond the classroom, Year 10 have participated Year 11 subject selections and in a range of Pathways programs aimed at preparing them for future study and employment. These opportunities included PCYC job-readiness courses, TAFE taster programs, and work experience placements. I also thank Mr Asvestas, Year 10 Advisor, for his continued dedication and support of Year 10 during this important stage of their schooling.

As we move into Term 4 and the warmer weather, I remind all students of the importance of consistently following school rules, routines, and norms, following all teacher instructions and being in the right place at the right time, as well as maintaining high standards in uniform.

I thank all students and families for their ongoing commitment to our school community and wish you a safe and restful holiday break.

Ms Jane Somerville - Years 8 & 11

As the year continues, I've had the opportunity to observe a lot amazing things happening inside and outside of the classroom and term 3 is no different.

This term I have been in Year 8 science classes and looked at cells under a microscope. It was really interesting until they told me it was from a cockroach leg! I have watched with pride as they have written extended responses in English and observed their creative talents in

Visual Art as they dipped their hands into clay and have started to shape pots. They definitely are having fun – although some parents may not agree, as uniforms are sometimes coming home looking a little covered in clay! This week, I also had the pleasure of watching a group of Year 8 students participate in an engineering activity organised by the University of Newcastle. Here they had to use their collaborative and critical thinking skills to design a traditional fishing trap and it was amazing.

Year 11 have been very focused in their learning and preparing for their yearly examinations. Many students are starting to think about the subjects they want to take through into Year 12 and what the year ahead will look like. Term 4 is the start of the HSC year for them and they will be starting to make decisions about what lies ahead of them post KKHKS. Mrs Tilden will be holding many information sessions through Term 4 and into next year about options and courses that students may be interested in. Its ok if at this point the students aren’t sure, we are here to help them and help keep their options open!

This term also saw our Year11 students put themselves forward as school leaders and after a highly successful voting day where the SRC set up ballot boxes to give students a real life taste of what it is like to vote in an election, we were able to announce our 2026 school leaders. I am sure that our Captains, Vice Captains and Prefects are going to do an amazing job and I appreciate that they put themselves forward for the responsibility of the roles.

The Year 12 Higher School Certificate examinations begin early next term and its important that students know what days they need to be at Kurri Kurri TAFE for their examinations. Students can access this through their studentsonline portal. If anyone is ill or not able to attend their exams, it is important that they contact the school immediately so that we are able to support them with a NESA illness and misadventure appeal form. This is a slightly different process to the forms we have used at the school and may need to be supported with a medical certificate or by coming into the school so that we can sign off on the illness. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school.

As we move into the summer months, school uniform will continue to be a focus. While some students already keen to get their legs out into the sunshine, please remember that bike shorts, even if they are navy blue, are not part of the uniform. With so many students wearing the uniform each and every day, we thankyou for your ongoing support.

Mr Josh Brown - Years 9 & 12

Our Year 9 students have shown outstanding dedication this term by completing a range of high-quality assessments across all subjects. These assessments not only reflect their growing knowledge and skills but also their ability to meet rigorous academic standards. Our teachers have been impressed with the students’ commitment to excellence and their ability to manage deadlines effectively.

A key focus for Year 9 this term has been improving punctuality. Getting to class on time is essential, as the minutes missed quickly add up to hours over the course of the year. By emphasising timely attendance, we aim to ensure that students do not miss valuable learning time and can fully engage with their lessons.

Maintaining school uniform standards continues to be important in promoting a sense of pride and belonging. We appreciate the support of students and families in ensuring that all Year 9 students wear the correct uniform each day. Additionally, students are required to use their Yonda pouches to store mobile phones from the moment they come through the school gate. This practice helps minimise distractions throughout the school day and supports a focused learning environment.

In addition to their academic work, a group of 10 Year 9 students have been actively participating in the NCIS program where students attend the Cessnock PCYC once a week, where they engage in literacy and numeracy workshops and collaborative skill development through cooking.

Our Year 12 students are currently focused on preparing for the Higher School Certificate (HSC) examinations next term. This period is critical as they consolidate their knowledge, refine exam techniques, and develop effective study routines. Teachers are providing targeted support to help students manage their time, reduce stress, and approach the exams with confidence.

We are also excited to announce that Year 12 celebrated the completion of their 13 years of schooling with their Graduation and Formal ceremonies in Week 10 of this term. These events provide a wonderful opportunity to honour their achievements and mark this important milestone with family, friends, and staff. There's more about these celebrations in the Stage 6 section of the newsletter.

Thank you to all staff, students, and families for your continued support in fostering a positive and productive learning environment.

Ms Toni Wilson - Inclusion & Support

What an amazing Term 3 we have had at Kurri Kurri High School. So many additional wellbeing and inclusive activities have been offered to our students outside of their learning this term building a positive school community and providing a sense of belonging for all. It’s so great to see staff and students enjoying the activities together.

Our 100% attendance has yet again increased this term with Term 3 having the most students this year on 100%. Congratulations to those students and we hope you enjoyed your pizza celebration. All students should be at school every day it is open and only have time off for illness. Please try to make appointments outside of school hours where possible.

If your child is not at school, please make sure you respond to the text message with a reason ASAP, or call the school or email.

Please support the school and your child by preparing them for Term 4 to follow the statewide mobile phone ban. This ban isn’t going away, and sadly we have seen a rise in some students refusing to place their phones in a pouch or a lock box. Unfortunately, we have seen the rise of weekend online social media harassment that has worked its way into the school causing conflict between students disrupting their focus on learning. Parents and students, please see below information and contact links for the e -Commissioner:

WELS Hub