Deputies Desks

Ms Kasey Brady - Years 7 &10

It’s been a busy and productive few weeks across the school as we approach the end of Term 2. 

Our Year 7 students had a fantastic time at the Great Aussie Bush Camp, where they built resilience, teamwork, and friendships. A huge thank you to Ms O’Halloran, our dedicated Year Advisor, for organising such a memorable experience. Thanks also to Ms Weir, Mr Allen, Ms Murray, and Megan for giving their time to support the students during the camp. Upon returning, Year 7 jumped straight into completing their Semester 1 assessment tasks. While some students found this challenging, we were proud to see them persevere and get the job done – well done, Year 7! 

Year 10 have been equally busy, not only completing their assessment tasks but also exploring a range of opportunities to support their future pathways. Many students have participated in TAFE taster courses, work experience, the Hands on Learning program, and other initiatives provided by our Careers Team. We encourage all students to keep an eye on announcements and emails for upcoming opportunities. 

Looking ahead, Year 10 students will begin their Year 11 subject selections early in Term 3. Week 1 includes the "Try a Course" experience, designed to help students make informed and considered choices about their future study and career directions. Parents and carers are warmly invited to attend the Year 10 into 11 Pathways Information Session on Tuesday, June 24 at 5:30pm, where we will provide important details about subject selections and pathways. 

On Tuesday, June 11, we were excited to welcome Year 6 students and their families for our Transition Day and Parent Information Session. It was wonderful to see all students engaging enthusiastically with high school life, and we were thrilled with the strong turnout from parents and carers. A reminder that applications for the 2026 Year 7 Enrichment Class are now open – please visit our website for more information. 

Finally, a reminder that KKHS is a uniform school, and students are expected to be in full school uniform every day. Being ready to learn means bringing the right equipment, including a charged laptop, books, and pens, to every lesson. Please support your child by helping them prepare each night. 

Wishing all students and families a safe and restful break. We look forward to seeing everyone back, refreshed and ready for Term 3. 

Ms Jane Somerville - Years 8 & 11

Term 2 has a been a busy one for both Year 11 and 8 and as we come to the end of the term, I hope that all students have enjoyed participating in the learning happening in the classrooms as well as the many lunchtime activities and excursions that have been on offer... and there have been a lot!

Year 11 have been working hard in completing assessment tasks to ensure their studies are on track and that they are achieving to their academic potential. It is really pleasing to see students accessing the learning centre and working closely with their teachers to ensure that their assessments and learning are completed to a high standard. If you feel that your student is needing some additional support with the tasks they are currently completing, please reach out to their classroom teachers and either Ms Merrett or Mrs Tilden as the Year Advisors for support. It is easier to put support strategies in place in now rather than having your student feel overwhelmed and stressed later on!

Please keep in mind that as we move into Term 3, some Year 11 students will complete their Trial HSC Examinations as part of their accelerated pattern of study. These examinations will be held at Kurri Kurri TAFE in order to provide the students with a quiet space to perform at their best. All other courses will wrap up in Week 7 and students will have Yearly Examinations (held at the school) in Week 8 and 9. (Time is flying way too quickly for my liking) Students then have the chance to ‘drop’ a course before they begin Year 12 in Term 4. Any discussion about changing courses will need to happen with Mrs. Tilden as the school Year Advisor to ensure that they are on the right track for their desired pathway. 

I have spent the last few days reading over the Year 8 reports and it is wonderful to see so many positive comments about their application to their learning. They have embraced the changes presented to them and many students are achieving outcomes at a high standard. I have been in many classrooms this term and enjoyed watching students work in groups on mental health toolkits, solving maths equations, conduct Science experiments and write a lot of TEEEC paragraphs. There are a lot of talented students in Year 8 and I look forward to seeing what they question, design and create next term.

Mr Joshua Brown - Years 9 & 12

Year 9 students have been putting in tremendous effort in their classes, and the impressive quality of their assessments reflects their dedication and hard work. Skill development is a key focus in Year 9, with an emphasis on enhancing problem-solving, interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills across various subjects. These competencies are essential for students to become active contributors to society and will serve them well in their future endeavours. 

As Year 12 approaches the conclusion of their high school journey, they will encounter some important milestones, including final assessment tasks, trial and HSC examinations, as well as their graduation ceremony and formal event. Students are encouraged to make use of the study centre throughout the week when they have free periods. This quiet environment offers valuable teacher support for those needing assistance, a calm space for studying, or a place to complete assignments. Taking the initiative to seek help is a vital skill for successful learning. 

At KKHS, we maintain high expectations regarding attendance, school uniform, and ensuring mobile phones are in Yonda Pouches or lockboxes. Missing class time means missing out on valuable learning experiences. Wearing the correct school uniform fosters a sense of pride and belonging within the school community. If any families are facing challenges in obtaining school uniforms, please reach out to the front office for assistance. Additionally, students are reminded to keep their mobile phones in their Yonda pouches once they enter the school gate. Parents and carers are encouraged to communicate any important messages to their children during school hours through the front office.  

Ms Toni Wilson - DP Inclusion & Support 

Getting to know our ARCO – Anti Racism Contact Officer. 

The Anti-Racism Contact Officer (ARCO) is a teacher who has been nominated by the principal to support anti-racism education in the school.   

KKHS ARCO is Ms Norberry. If students have any concerns about racism, Ms Norberry is available to support them. 

Mobile Phones

Following on from what Mr Brown has written, I want to reinforce that KKHS is a student mobile phone free zone. We use YONDR pouches to secure student phones during the school day when on school grounds. Unlocking stations are available at exit points of the school at the end of the school day. We are asking parents to support their child to follow the mobile phone process and switch off and away when arriving at the entrance gate each morning. 

Benefits of this process for your child include increased engagement in learning, increased social interactions and positive relationship building and an increased sense of belonging to school.  

School Attendance

The Attendance Team is:

DP Ms Wilson

HT Mrs Kidd and 

SSO Megan Gillespie.

We work closely with the HSLO monitoring student attendance across KKHS.  

It is important that every student at KKHS strives to reach over 90% attendance. 

When a student misses school, they miss important opportunities to learn, build friendships and develop life skills.

Students with declining or continued low attendance rates will be required to attend attendance improvement plan meetings. 

Please contact the attendance team if you have any concerns, we are here to help you achieve your personal best at school. The only way you can do this is by attending school every day.