PRINCIPAL'S

 MESSAGE

As we approach the end of another memorable year, I always like to reflect upon the accomplishments and positive spirit that has defined the school year. 

We have seen the success of our new school uniform items, including new shorts, sweatshirt and jacket, which aimed to create a sense of pride and unity among our students. We work with our SRC and student leaders to determine new uniform items so seeing our students embrace the new uniform with enthusiasm has been excellent to see. We also have our new Stage 6 polo shirt which will be launching at our official uniform supplier, Flanagan’s for the 2024 Year 11 & 12 students. 

We have also had an increased focus on increasing positive attendance and engagement at school. This has been extremely evident in the beginning of our STARS initiative which has aimed to recognise the large number of students who are continually meeting our school expectations. Each week students are recognised for their achievements and we have introduced term STARS activities. We are seeing the numbers of students receiving STARS increase each week with over 80% of students regularly receiving this recognition. This initiative will continue to grow in 2024… so watch this space! 

Our SPORT teams have once again demonstrated excellence on and off the field. The dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship displayed by our athletes have been commendable. Whether on the football / touch field, soccer field, basketball or netball courts, our students have shown that hard work pays off. This was especially evident in our boys open touch team and with our inaugural girls sports day in which we combined with Singleton High School for a great day of fun. The program has also seen some upgraded facilities in 2023, with the replacement of basketball and netball poles, new irrigation and football goals on the top oval and the introduction of a brand new basketball court. Students have been enjoying these spaces to refine their skills during PDHPE, ExtraCurricular and lunchtime activities. As always, we are looking to expand the whole school SPORT program in 2024 and look forward to seeing the continued success of the students and sporting teams.

A special congratulations to our students who have participated in the Clontarf Academy. Their commitment to personal growth, leadership, and academic success has been recognised with a prestigious award from the NSW DoE Executive Director. This accomplishment is a testament to their resilience and the invaluable support of the Clontarf program. The program also celebrated this year with the official opening ceremony and first Clontarf Award Evening. The amazing support that we have received from parents and the community has really given our Clontarf Academy members a huge boost in confidence and connection to school. I am extremely proud of all the Clontarf members and am happy to have them as part of our school community. I must also mention the dedication and commitment of our Director Clark and team members Noah and Joel for their on going support of the students and program. 

In 2023, our commitment to empowering young women has been evident through the success of the Girls Dream Together program. This initiative has provided our female students with a platform to explore their interests, build confidence, and support one another in their aspirations. We have been lucky to welcome Ms Smith, Ms MacFarlaine and Sharon to take over this program to expand upon the amazing work that was done to establish the program at the start of the year. The impact of this program extends far beyond the classroom, and I am excited to see where this program goes in 2024. 

In 2023, we have also seen the introduction of a range of initiatives including Extra-Curricular periods which aims to provide students with an opportunity to engage in a current are of interest or gain a new skill or interest with students from other years. We have seen a range of activities taking place including additional SPORT practice, pastry chef, knitting, Pokemon club, and baking to name just a few. This initiative has also seen the continuation of our amazing lunch time sporting competitions with a dedicated group of students running our lunch time sporting competitions. This year saw the introduction of a soccer competition and in semester two, the return of the famous touch completion. This lunch time competition is coordinated by the fabulous Ms Merret and continues to be a highlight of each week. We have also seen the introduction of the Hands on Learning initiative which supports students engage in a range of learning activities while  working on projects aimed to support the school community. Lead by Mr Garrard, a passionate group of stage 5 students have built furniture and garden beds aimed at enhancing ares of our school playground. All of these great programs will continue in 2024! 

Throughout 2023, we have introduced our Wellbeing centre and have expanded the engagement with a range of services to support all students. We have worked with My Strengths to enhance a focus on positive acknowledgement of the individual strengths of each student. This approach has been stage based and will be an on going initiative for each year. We have also engaged with the TopBlokes foundation for a range of programs and initiatives and a focus on positive relationships with Project Rockit, Bully Zero, Drumbeat, Rock and Water, Rage, and a range of Youth Counsellors. Our amazing Student Support Officers and Wellbeing Team have already began planning for the expansion of their programs in 2024 to support all students attending KKHS. 

This year, we bid farewell to our graduating class of 2023 Year 12 students. Their graduation ceremony, formal and of course the annual dress up and fun day were all joyous occasions filled with emotions and pride as we celebrated the Year 12 student’s academic achievements, personal growth, and the countless memories they've created during their time at Kurri Kurri High School. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours, including a large number of students who have already accepted places at university both near and far from home. These students were such an amazing year group and I have no doubt they will continue to make us proud.

As we reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, I want to express my gratitude to the entire Kurri Kurri High community—students, parents, teachers, and staff—for your unwavering support and dedication. Together, we have created a vibrant and positive learning environment that fosters and celebrates success and personal growth.

I wish everyone a restful and enjoyable holiday season. May the new year bring even more opportunities for learning, collaboration, and success.