Principal's Message
Year 12 HSC exams and senior study
Our Year 12 students have completed all their Higher School Certificate exams by the end of the first week of November. I am confident that everyone has done their best, and that their results will reflect their high levels of dedication and commitment. Many of our students have already received early offers from universities, while others are hoping that their ATAR score will see them gain university entry. I wish them all the best as they embark on the next stage of their life’s journey.
I am pleased to inform all parents that the school will offer our current Year 11 students (going into Year 12) a dedicated study space from the beginning of next year. While the library was always a good space for serious study, the establishment of the Wellbeing Hub in the section of the library often used by senior students during their study periods, has created a need for a dedicated study space elsewhere. As we move towards BYOD in 2026, one of the school’s computer spaces next to the library will be converted into a Senior Study. Year 12 students are currently being consulted on the furniture and colour scheme for the space, which should be ready for use within the first couple of weeks of Term 1, 2026.
BYOD update
As Kellyville High School becomes a BYOD school for all year groups from 7-12 in 2026, I would like to thank all parents who have completed the BYOD draft policy survey. The survey will remain open for another couple of weeks, and I encourage all parents who are yet to complete the survey to do so. An email with the survey link was emailed to all parents in Week 4, including the recommended specifications for devices.
As the final BYOD policy takes shape, the school is also in the process of finalising an arrangement with a well-known technology retailer. We will communicate the details of this arrangement as soon as possible, however, you may decide to take advantage of upcoming end of year sales to purchase a suitable device. Just make sure you follow the school’s recommendations on a suitable device. If you have any questions, please contact us.
If your child already has a laptop – even if that laptop doesn’t meet all the minimum requirements – it might be prudent to test it first at school before purchasing a new device. Most of the work students do at school on laptops, such as accessing Google Classroom, does not require a high-end computer, and the laptop your child already has might be suitable as long as the battery lasts all day.
To learn more about our school’s BYOD program, visit the BYOD page on the school’s website. The page has all up-to-date information about BYOD and a short video explainer about the BYOD policy.
House groups: reward and recognition
When Kellyville High School was established in 2003, it included four house groups – Evans, Manning, Pryce and Clarke. For a number of years, school spirit was promoted through competitions between the four houses, however, since the COVID pandemic – when students could only meet in year groups rather than house groups – the house spirit has waned. I am keen to reinvigorate the house spirit and link it to our values of Learning, Excellence and Integrity. For that purpose, I have asked our student leaders and the SRC to come up with ideas and make a recommendation on our house names – do we keep the current house names, or do we change them to be more inclusive and to reflect the rich diversity of our community? I am looking forward to their thoughts and ideas, and will keep you informed about any changes (there is no plan to add house names to sport uniforms).
Another aspect of school life that is currently being reviewed is our Reward and Recognition (Merit) scheme. While the current scheme includes bronze, silver and gold badges, I would like to see a scheme that not only has levels such as bonze, silver and gold, but also has scope for integrating school values and expectations into how we recognise and reward our many high achievers. This includes recognition for community service, academic achievements, sport, leadership and attendance, among others – culminating in a School Medal. I would also like to explore a Distinguished Achiever Award which recognises excellence in one particular area, such as, for example, service to our community, or sport, or music or art, among others, where prospective recipients can be nominated by students, teachers or community members.
School starting time 2026
As previously communicated, from Term 1, 2026, the school will start at 8:50 am and finish at 2:50 pm, except for Mondays, when the school will finish at 1:50 pm. The (morning) school bus timetable will be adjusted accordingly and it is anticipated that the new school bus timetable will be updated in time for the 2026 school year. I am aware that some parents may be concerned with the potential of increased traffic when Kellyville High School aligns its starting time with other schools in the area, however, I anticipate that the new school bus timetable will encourage more students to catch a school bus rather than be driven to school. In addition, students will have more options for catching public buses to school on time, which should see a reduction in traffic.
In the meantime, school buses and the school starting time will remain as they currently stand in 2025 until the end of the current school year.
Applying for leave - travel
I would again like to remind parents that children under the age of 17 must be at school every day, unless they are unwell. On occasion, students may go on family holidays or attend religious or cultural events, for example, during a school term. In the event that you are planning to travel during the school term, you must apply for Extended Leave – Travel for your child. This application ensures that all legal requirements are met and that I can, if travel is approved, issue your child with an official certificate. I would also like to emphasise that all applications for extended leave – travel, should be made at least 3 weeks prior to the intended date of travel. If an application is made late, it may not be approved. The Extended Leave – Travel form can be found by following this link: https://education.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/main-education/policy-library/public/implementation-documents/pd-2005-0259-02-01.pdf