DEPUTIES

 DESKS

Mr Brown - Deputy Principal Years 7 & 10

Term 4 has drawn to a close which has been filled with activities and milestones for both our Year 7 and Year 10 students. As we gear up for 2024, our focus remains on preparing our students for the next phases of their academic journey, including the implementation of our new mobile phone policy. 

In Term 3, Year 10 completed their subject selections and finalised their remaining assessment tasks, paving the way for our teachers to concentrate on honing student skills for Stage 6 or alternate educational pathways. Students have until Week 5 of the coming year to make any adjustments to their study programs. Those exploring alternative pathways have actively participated in TAFE taster courses and work placements under the guidance of Mr. McKinley, ensuring their readiness for the forthcoming years. A heartfelt thanks goes to Ms. Trayhurn (Year 10 Advisor), Sharni McCann (SSO), and Megan Gillespie (SSO) for their unwavering support to students and families. The Year 10 Wellbeing day, skilfully organised by Ms. Trayhurn at Strike Bowling Charlestown, wrapped up their year with some spirited fun. 

Meanwhile, our Year 7 students are on the brink of completing their inaugural year at high school! They've acclimatised to the high school environment, developing habits that will serve them well in their secondary education journey. Year 7 students have participated in excursions, finalised projects, and enjoyed their Wellbeing excursion. The annual ‘HUB Cup’ saw an intense competition this year, culminating in Team Silver securing the cup for 2023. 

To facilitate their transition to Year 8, students have spent time with various faculties in subject-specific rooms, ensuring a seamless shift next year while meeting their new teachers and head teachers. The structure of these days aims to foster familiarity between students and staff, ensuring a continuity of our established Rules, Routines, Norms, and High Expectations. The success of Year 7 wouldn't have been possible without the guidance of Mrs. Sams (Head Teacher Year 7), Ms. Bailey (Year 7 Advisor) and all Year 7 teachers. A heartfelt thank you to the Year 7 team for their continual support, and I eagerly anticipate the progress our students will make in 2024. 

The application process for the HPGE classes for 2024 has concluded, and all students should now be aware of the outcome. Decisions were challenging for our head teachers due to the exceptional engagement and high-quality submissions from students during the workshops. For queries about your child’s placement, please liaise with the relevant subject head teachers. 

A gentle reminder to all students and parents that our school uniform is available for purchase at Flanagan’s Menswear in Cessnock. As a uniformed school, it's essential to emphasise the significance of wearing the prescribed attire, including polo shirts, jumpers, and shorts. Additionally, a note to Year 10 students: don’t forget to purchase your senior polo shirt in preparation for commencing 2024 as seniors! 

Thank you for your continuous support throughout 2023, and I wish everyone a safe and joyful holiday season. 

Ms Brady - Deputy Principal Years 8 & 11

Term 4 certainly hasn’t disappointed, it has been just as busy as the rest of the year as we not only wrap up 2023 but make sure we, both staff and students, are prepared for 2024. 

As we farewelled Year 12 2023, Year 11 have stepped up to the plate and have embarked on their HSC studies, often reminding me that they are now in Year 12 and are no longer in Year 11! Students are making decisions about what subjects to keep and which ones to drop. Some students have completed one of their HSC examinations as part of the accelerated program the school offers and from all accounts went into the examination not only confident but well prepared which will give them an insight as to what is required for next year when they complete the rest of their HSC courses. All Year 12 students should have received their assessment information for each course so they can create a plan and be prepared for every assessment as it approaches. They should also have viewed the official NESA documents regarding the rules and procedures for Year 12 2024. If you are not sure if your student has accessed these documents or has misplaced, they are easily accessed at any time via the Year 12 2024 Canvas course.  

Year 8 have also been busy finalising their patterns of study for next year with elective choices for Year 9 finalised and students completing their applications to join the High Potential classes for 2024, congratulations to those students who were successful in gaining a place. Year 8 have also spent the last weeks of Term 4 farewelling Hubs and moving out into the rest of the school in preparation for Year 9 classes which will be much smaller in comparison. I know that they are looking forward to the new opportunities that Year 9 will bring and am confident they will embrace everything that these new experiences have to offer.  

As mentioned, the application process for the HPGE classes in 2024 for Years 8, 9 and 10 has now been finalised and all students should be aware of the outcome of their application. It was a difficult process for all Head Teachers to make decisions on who was successful as students engaged in the workshops and produced high quality submissions. If you have questions or queries about your child’s placement, please speak to the relevant Head Teachers.    

The end of the year has also seen Year 7 2024 complete their transition to KKHS where students have had the opportunity to become familiar with the high expectations, routines and norms of KKHS. This year incoming students have had the opportunity to participate in visits to KKHS, Mrs Dunn (Year Advisor) has been out to visit all our partner primary schools and get to know students, A&TSI students have participated in two orientation visits including a visit to Clontarf and Dream Together, participate in BreakThru visits for those requiring a little bit more support in the transition process and Mrs Sams (rel HT Year 7) has organised the enrichment workshops for our incoming 7 Blue Hub students where they participated in a range of team building and skill development sessions facilitate by KKHS teachers who are experts in their subject area. By all accounts these visits have been extremely well received by students who are now even more keen to get to high school and start their learning journey. All programs are designed to support students take on the challenges and excitement of starting high school and make some connections with KKHS staff to ensure students are aware of who they can go to for support, especially in those early weeks. Thanks to Mrs Sams (rel. HT Year 7), Mrs Dunn (Year Advisor), Year 7 teachers, Caitlin MacFarlane, Renee Smith and the Clontarf team - Clark, Joel, Noah (A&TSI Team), Mrs Weir (HT LaST) and many other staff at KKHS for organising the transition program and supporting our newest students to ensure they feel welcome and supported at KKHS.   

A reminder to all students and parents regarding school uniform. The school uniform can be purchase from Flanagan’s Menswear in Cessnock and as a uniformed school, it is important to wear school uniform including polo shirts, jumpers and shorts, every day.  

Thank you for your ongoing support in 2023 and have a safe and happy holiday. 

Ms Somerville - Deputy Principal Years 9 & 12

As the year comes to an end, we have farewelled another Year 12 group who have successfully crossed the finish line, marking the end of their high school journey. These students marked a significant milestone for me, being my very first year group as Deputy Principal and while they may have been small in number, they exhibited dedication, resilience, and achievement throughout their years with us, and we couldn't be prouder of what they have already achieved. While we eagerly await their HSC results, many students had already received early offers to university before the examinations, reflecting their hard work throughout the years. I would like to thank their Year Advisor, Mrs Samantha Douglas for her care, kindness and commitment to the students in Year 12 and know that they have been encouraged and supported by her as they embarked on their post school journey. 

This year the HSC results and the ATARs will be released on Thursday 14th December and we warmly invite all Year 12 students to return to the school for a breakfast BBQ to celebrate their achievements. It would be lovely if all students could make it as I know that many teachers are looking forward to celebrating with the students and hearing what their plans for the future hold. 

As with everything, we have already begun a new HSC journey with Year 11 as they will have completed the first term of Year 12 by the time we break for Christmas. Several of these students will also be eagerly awaiting their HSC results as part of the acceleration program, giving them a small taste of what is expected in the HSC.   

This term I have had the pleasure of meeting some of our eager Year 7 students for 2024 as they have been at the school for transition days. I have witnessed them in the Science labs and the Art rooms and while they were quite shy and reserved, I am sure they will come out of their shells once they feel more comfortable. Remember that if Santa needs some ideas for Christmas presents, Flanagan’s in Cessnock have a wide range of Kurri High uniforms! 

I am also particularly proud of my other year group, Year 9, who have ended the year on a high with a focus on achieving as many positive recognition awards (STARS) as possible. They have been wearing correct uniform, coming to school ready for learning and engaging in the activities in the classroom. I have seen their responsibility and organisation increase this term and it has been lovely to witness. I know that their Year Advisors Mrs Tilden and Ms Merrett are just as proud of the students as I am and I would like to thank them for their ongoing support throughout the year. Many students have been given the opportunity to apply for several academic options for next year; the enrichment classes have been finalised and some students have accepted the chance to undertake a Year 11 course as part of our highly successful acceleration program. I look forward to watching all of Year 9 apply themselves when we return and they begin the final year of Stage 5.  

I am hoping that everyone enjoys the rest and relaxation that the Christmas holidays bring and that when we return we are ready to undertake another successful year. 

Ms Toni Wilson - Deputy Principal Equity & Inclusion

What a whirlwind Term 4 has been. With the introduction of the statewide mobile phone ban in public schools, KKHS students and our community have taken this huge challenge and change on-board, and we are already seeing positive results with more students in class and engaged in their learning. This ban continues into 2024, so a reminder to students to make sure they look after their Yondr pouches over the break and be prepared to switch off and pouch phones before entry to the school grounds on day one of Term 1 2024.  

With the increased access and use of technology over the summer school holidays, it is a timely reminder for our community, parents and carers that support, and information can be accessed through the E-Safety Commissioner https://www.esafety.gov.au/. There is information for children and young people on this site as well. 

Congrats and Farewell 

As we farewell our JAECG Coordinator Ms Caitlin McFarlane and wish her well for the impending birth of her second child, I would like to thank her for the passion, leadership and support she has shown to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. I welcome Ms Eugenia Lewis back from maternity leave and into the role of JAECG Coordinator for 2024. 

I would like to take this opportunity to also farewell Miss Aimee Watkins Head Teacher Kuta-kaya and thank her for her commitment to inclusive education at KKHS. We wish you every success in your new education journey.  

Attendance and absences 

Parents of children from Kindergarten to Year 12 must ensure their children attend school every day. On occasion, your child may need to be absent from school. Justified reasons for student absences may include: 

• being sick or having an infectious disease 
• having an unavoidable medical appointment 
• being required to attend a recognised religious holiday 
• exceptional or urgent family circumstances e.g. attending a funeral. 

Parents must provide an explanation for absences to the school within 7 days from the first day of any period of absence. Where an explanation has not been received within the 7-day timeframe, the school will record the absence as unexplained on the student's record. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thanks the invaluable work of KKHS staff throughout 2023. Thank you also to our parents and carers who have supported us throughout this year. We look forward to partnering with you again in 2024.  

To our students, enjoy a well-earned break and stay safe. This resource has some great tips for you on how to stay healthy over the holidays: