Deputies Desks

Mr Joshua Brown - Years 7 &10

As Term 2 draws to a close, we are proud to reflect on the achievements and growth of our Year 7 students. It has been another successful term, marked by strong participation, enthusiasm, and positive development. 

One highlight was our Wellbeing Day activity, where students enjoyed watching The Sheep Detectives. The movie was met with heartfelt applause from all, followed by a picnic lunch to finish the day.  

Throughout the term, Year 7 students have demonstrated increasing maturity and responsibility. Their involvement in various school activities through the sports, CAPA and UNISteps spaces continues to be impressive, reflecting their commitment to making the most of their school experience. 

Academic achievement remains a strong focus, with many Year 7 students consistently topping the STARs charts. We encourage families to continue supporting their children in maintaining regular attendance, as this is key to ongoing success and wellbeing. 

The term focused on positive interactions with all students and staff, with Year 7 asked to think before they speak. With the tagline ‘If it wouldn’t be said at the dinner table, don’t say it to another student.’   

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to nurture and develop our young learners.

As Year 10 students approach the final stages of their schooling journey, the focus is firmly on achievement and preparation. This term, students are working hard to impress their teachers and lay a strong foundation for their transition into Stage 6. 

We understand that choosing the right pathway is a significant decision. To support this, we warmly invite parents and carers to an Information Evening in Term 3, Week 2. This session will provide an opportunity to engage with key staff at KKHS, helping you and your student to map out the best educational journey tailored to their goals and interests. 

There are many pathways and options available to our Year 10 students, including ATAR studies, the HSC, School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs), Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, and a wide range of other exciting opportunities that the KKHS team proudly offers to our community. 

We would also like to emphasise that attendance matters in all class settings. Regular attendance is essential to ensure students do not miss valuable learning experiences and stay on track for success. 

We’re excited to announce that Authentic Assessment is back at KKHS! This initiative will enable students to present to a panel about their proudest achievements, biggest learning experiences, and future aspirations. Ms Golding and Ms Stewart have been diligently preparing numerous resources to support the re-introduction of this Kurri staple, helping students to engage deeply with their learning journey. 

You may be wondering, “Where is Ms Bailey?” As Ms Bailey takes some leave, the prestigious position of Year 10 Advisor was hotly contested among staff. We are pleased to announce that Ms Lambkin is the successful applicant. She has hit the ground running and is now the first point of contact for all student wellbeing needs. Please don't hesitate to reach out to Ms Lambkin for support throughout the year. 

Finally, please remind your student that mobile phone use is not permitted once they enter the school gates. This rule is extremely important as many students are preparing to enter the workforce in the coming years, and adhering to workplace expectations around phone use is a valuable skill.

Our Hands on Learning Crew get smitten for kittens

Ms Kasey Brady - Years 8 & 11

Term 2 has been a very busy and rewarding term for Year 8. Students have submitted a range of high-quality assessment tasks, providing opportunities to demonstrate the skills, knowledge and understanding they have developed throughout the semester. 

Students have also participated in a variety of Wellbeing Week activities. A highlight for many Year 8 students was the excursion to Revolution, where students enjoyed a fun and engaging opportunity to connect with peers outside the classroom setting. Thank you to Year Advisor Mrs O’Halloran for her ongoing support of Year 8 students. 

Year 11 students have continued to build positive momentum throughout the term and are now more than halfway through their Year 11 courses. Students are reminded of the importance of completing all class activities, submitting assessment tasks by the due date, and attending all timetabled lessons. Study periods provide a valuable opportunity to work in the Study Centre, keep up to date with course requirements, and seek assistance where needed. 

During Wellbeing Week, Year 11 students enjoyed a successful bonding day at school, including team activities, pizza, and a movie. Students also began organising senior jumpers and started early discussions around planning for Year 12 activities. These experiences have helped strengthen relationships and build a positive senior cohort culture. Thank you to Year Advisor, Mr Asvestas for his support of Year 11 students. 

Year 7–10 reports will be published through the Compass Parent Portal at the end of Term 2, with Year 11 and 12 reports already published and accessible to parents and students. Reports provide detailed information about students’ academic progress, including the development of literacy, numeracy, subject-specific and interpersonal skills, while students will continue to receive A–E grades for academic outcomes. Students in Years 7-9 have also completed reflections on their own learning, providing valuable insight into their strengths and areas for improvement. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s learning, please contact their classroom teacher. If you do not yet have access to the Compass Parent Portal, please contact the school office to arrange access. A Parent–Teacher evening will be held early in Term 3 to provide families with an opportunity to discuss student progress and reports. 

Finally, a reminder that KKHS is a uniform school and all students are expected to wear full school uniform every day. Students should also come prepared for learning by charging their laptop each night and bringing books, pens and their charged laptop to school every day. 

I would also like to share a video created by some Year 11 students to welcome new students to KKHS.  Whether starting Year 7 or later years, the video gives new students an bit of a student insight as to how we inspire excellence.

We wish all students and families a safe, restful and enjoyable break and look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 3. 

Ms Jane Somerville - Years 9 & 12

As we approach the end of another busy term, it is an excellent opportunity to reflect on the importance of regular attendance, engagement in learning and strong communication between home and school.

Year 9

There have been a lot of opportunities this term for Year 9 both inside and outside of the classroom. Ten students have been engaged in the Hands on Learning project at school which allows them to spend one day a week outside the classroom completing authentic, community-benefitting projects. Some Year 9 students attended TAFE taster courses at Kurri and Cessnock. We had a number of Year 9 students complete their White Card courses, attend work placements and a group of students participate in a sustainability challenge with representatives from Newcastle University. These events provide students with opportunities to develop new knowledge, practise important skills and build confidence in their learning. Inside of the classroom I have had the pleasure of watching the students develop their writing skills, learn about triangle sides and angles as well as start to explore their skills in geography. 

As we get closer to half yearly reports going out, it’s a timely reminder that regular attendance helps students remain connected to their learning, develop positive routines and avoid gaps in their understanding. Another important aspect of success at school is completing and submitting assessment tasks by the due date. Assessment tasks allow students to demonstrate their understanding and provide teachers with valuable information about student progress. If you have found that your student has struggled with completing the tasks, please reach out to their classroom teacher as there are many ways we can support them (and you) in this space! Early communication allows us to work together to provide appropriate support and ensure that students remain engaged and successful. Our teachers, Year Advisors, Head Teachers, and Wellbeing Team are available to assist students and families when needed.

Year 12 

A reminder to all Year 12 families that the Trial HSC examinations will commence on the first day of next term, beginning on Monday. Students have now received their examination timetables and should ensure they are familiar with all examination dates, times and requirements. 

The examinations (apart from the Music aural examination) will be held at Kurri Kurri TAFE. We do this as it is a quieter space for the students to perform their best, however, it is essential that students arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time of each examination. This will allow sufficient time to locate the examination room, sign on and settle before the examination begins. If a student arrives late they will not be given extra time to complete the examination, additionally if a student is sick on the day of the Trial HSC Examination it is essential that you contact the school before the exam begins so that we can arrange a suitable catch up time. The Trial HSC examinations are a significant milestone in the preparation for the Higher School Certificate and provide students with valuable experience in examination conditions. Inorder to help prepare students for their examinations, many staff are running lessons during the school holidays. Please check our social media for times to ensure that your student doesn’t miss out on this opportunity.

Thank you for your ongoing support again this term and I hope you get to enjoy a restful, quiet break.

Ms Toni Wilson - Inclusion & Support

As we conclude another busy and rewarding term, it is an opportunity to reflect on the many achievements, celebrations, and learning experiences that have enriched our school community. 

Term 2 has been a term of celebration, particularly in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander space. Throughout the term, students and staff have engaged in meaningful learning and reflection during National Sorry Day, National Reconciliation Week, and our NAIDOC celebrations. These important events have provided opportunities to deepen our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and contributions, while reinforcing our commitment to respect, inclusion, and reconciliation. It has been wonderful to see students actively participating and embracing these learning experiences. 

A highlight of the term has been Star Struck, which has provided an incredible opportunity for both our mainstream and Kuta-kaya students. The dedication, enthusiasm, and talent displayed by our students have been outstanding. Performing as part of such a large-scale production requires commitment, teamwork, and resilience, and we are extremely proud of the way our students represented themselves and our school. Thank you to the staff and families who supported students throughout this memorable experience. 

As we move into the second half of the year, I would like to remind families of the importance of regular school attendance. The NSW Department of Education expects students to attend school every day that it is open for instruction. Consistent attendance supports academic achievement, social development, and wellbeing. Every day counts, and we encourage families to work with the school if there are any barriers affecting attendance so that we can provide appropriate support. 

We also continue to promote and model respectful relationships across our school community. Every student has the right to feel safe, valued, and included. As part of this commitment, we reinforce the NSW Department of Education's anti-racism message: racism in any form is unacceptable. We encourage students to celebrate diversity, challenge stereotypes, and demonstrate respect for all cultures, backgrounds, and identities. By working together, we can continue to build a school environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging and connection. 

Thank you to our students, staff, and families for your ongoing support throughout Term 2. We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable break and look forward to another successful term ahead. 

We would like to thank the Dyson Family for partnering with KKHS and providing us a supply of backpacks for students. Dyson Family Backpack Flyer