Start to the Academic Year.

Dear Kurunjang Secondary College Community,

I extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to all new staff, students, and families as we embark on another exciting academic year. It is with great pleasure that we observe the beginning of the secondary school journey for our Year 7 students—a significant milestone in their educational lives.

Our year commenced with 'Welcome' Assemblies, where we introduced the new Year 7 cohort, and warmly welcomed our Year 12 students. I am particularly proud of our Senior Student Leadership Team, who demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities in promoting Respect, Achievement, and Responsibility throughout all aspects of college life.

Looking ahead, we are eager to collaborate with the Student Leadership Team, with special emphasis on supporting our 2024 College Captains, Madison Ryan, and Alana Young, along with our Vice Captains, Skirat Kaur, Lachlan Whearem, and Blake Plevier.

Class of 2023

Reflecting on the achievements of the Class of 2023, we commend their outstanding results, a testament to their dedication and hard work throughout their VCE/VM/VPC journey. A special congratulations to Giovanna Zurzolo, our College Dux.

Uniform expectations.

Kurunjang Secondary College has had a long-standing policy on students wearing the college uniform. This has been endorsed by the School Council on behalf of the college community. It is an expectation that every student attending our college wears the correct school uniform at all times. The following information outlines why it is important to wear the correct uniform:

Promotes Cohesion and Equality: School uniforms serve as a great equaliser, fostering a sense of unity among children from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. By removing the pressure associated with clothing choices, uniforms create an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and accepted, regardless of their economic status. Additionally, the adoption of gender-neutral uniforms highlights the school's commitment to equality, ensuring that all students start on an equal footing.

Fosters Group Identity: Uniforms play a vital role in cultivating a strong sense of belonging among students. When everyone wears the same uniform, it promotes teamwork and collaboration, emphasising collective achievements over individual preferences. This sense of pride in their school identity encourages students to work together towards common goals, nurturing a supportive and cohesive community.

Enhances Safety: One of the key benefits of school uniforms is the improved safety they provide. With easily recognisable uniforms, both staff and students can quickly identify fellow classmates, reducing the risk of intruders on campus. During excursions or outings, the distinct uniforms make it effortless to keep track of students, ensuring their safety in crowded environments.

Ensures Dress Code Equality: Uniforms establish a consistent dress code, eliminating the need for complex rules and regulations. By adopting uniforms, schools create an environment where students can focus on learning without the distraction of clothing-related judgements.

Mitigates Bullying: School uniforms play a crucial role in minimising instances of bullying related to clothing choices. By removing visible markers of socioeconomic status, uniforms create a level playing field, making it harder for bullies to target their peers based on appearance. This promotes a culture of respect and inclusivity, fostering a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.

Simplifies Morning Routines: Uniforms streamline the morning routine for both parents and students, reducing stress and saving valuable time. With a set uniform, there is no need to agonise over wardrobe decisions, allowing students to focus on preparing for the day ahead. This ensures a smoother start to the day, enabling students to begin their studies with a clear and focused mind.

Ensures Practicality and Safety: School uniforms address practical concerns such as appropriate dress for various activities and weather conditions. By providing attire that is safe and suitable for a day of learning, uniforms minimise distractions and create a conducive environment for academic success.

Reduces Distractions: Uniforms eliminate distractions associated with fashion trends and peer comparisons, allowing students to concentrate on their studies without unnecessary interruptions. By leveling the playing field in terms of appearance, uniforms create a more focused and productive learning environment.

Instils Professionalism: Wearing uniforms instils in students the importance of dressing appropriately for success. By associating the uniform with a dedicated mindset, students are prepared for future professional endeavours where dressing professionally is expected. This cultivates a sense of responsibility and professionalism from a young age, setting them up for success in their academic and professional lives.

We understand that from time-to-time, a student may be out of unform for a valid reason, and we are happy to issue a pass for that day when a note is provided from a parent/carer summarising the reason. In addition, if there is any financial hardship, we will work with families to support them in obtaining the correct unform so do not hesitate to reach out to the coordinator of your child for assistance.

However, if there are no underlying issues that we are aware of, and a student does not comply with the expectation of wearing the college uniform appropriately, the college leadership will issue suitable corrective interventions.

Importance of Being Ready to Learn

As we continue to navigate through the academic year, I want to take a moment to emphasise the critical importance of students coming to school and class ready to learn.

At Kurunjang Secondary College, we are dedicated to providing our students with the best possible educational experience, and a significant part of this experience relies on the preparedness of our students. When students arrive at school ready to learn, it sets a positive tone for the entire day and enhances their academic success.

Being prepared for learning encompasses several key elements:

Attendance: Regular attendance is fundamental to academic achievement. When students attend school consistently, they have the opportunity to fully engage in classroom activities, participate in discussions, and build strong relationships with teachers and peers.

Punctuality: Arriving to school and class on time is equally important. Punctuality ensures that students do not miss valuable instructional time and allows for a smooth transition into the learning environment.

Completion of Homework and Assignments: Completing homework and assignments on time demonstrates responsibility and reinforces the concepts learned in class. It also prepares students for upcoming lessons and assessments.

Proper Materials: Having the necessary materials, such as textbooks, notebooks, and writing utensils, readily available ensures that students can actively participate in classroom activities and complete assignments without disruptions.

As partners in your child's education, I encourage you to support and reinforce the importance of preparedness at home. Establishing consistent routines, providing a quiet and conducive study environment, and monitoring your child's progress are all effective ways to promote readiness for learning.

Together, we can empower our students to excel academically and reach their full potential. Again, the leadership team will be closely monitoring the preparedness of our students to engage fully in their learning. The data we collect will help us to put in place interventions to support students in developing the right dispositions for learning.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the success of our students.

Warm regards,

Ms. Aylin Gökmen

College Principal

Kurunjang Secondary College Newsletter

Respect, Achievement, Responsibility

Issue 1 · 23 Feb 2024

In this issue