A message from the Principal

We have welcomed term 4 with gusto and look forward to finishing 2020 on a positive note, despite what it has thrown at us so far.

The Kempsey High School spirit has been turned up off the charts so far this term! This was best reflected in our Year 12 cohort, who decided to help the Udawatta family who have experienced significant family trauma in recent times.  Ruvish Udawatta in Year 11, who was recently voted school Vice- Captain, has been dealing with family tragedy that is unimaginable to most of us. Late last term Ruvish lost his father to cancer and as a result potentially the Udawatta’s also lose their right to remain in Australia. Despite this Ruvish has continued to not only attend school but excel and perform his leadership duties with distinction.

The Udawatta’s family circumstance did not go unnoticed by our Year 12 students who donated the proceeds of the annual Year 12 student Auction, which traditionally raises between $1000-$1500 for the Year 12 formal night. This year they raised over $7000 for the Udawatta family. This was an outstanding gesture and the outpouring of positivity and support for Ruvish and his family reflects the calibre of the students and staff at Kempsey High School. I feel humbled to be a part of it.

To our Year 12 students, thank you on behalf of the school community for giving us the opportunity to be a part of your journey. You have done yourselves, your families and the school community proud in your achievements at school and in particular throughout this year of unprecedented challenges. We look forward to celebrating this important milestone on the 18th November at the Year 12 Graduation Celebration!

This term we have introduced a number of initiatives on our journey of constant improvement. The staff has introduced a new behaviour management focus that provides a clear and concise scaffold of expected behaviour for our students both in the classroom and in non-classroom settings. These expected behaviours can be translated to outside the school setting also.

These behaviours are what is expected in the workplaces and households of Kempsey and beyond. I encourage students and their families to use this language and understand the importance of fairness, responsibility and cooperation which embody our core value of respect.

Attendance has always been an important focus of Kempsey High and this continues to be the case. To support students and their families we will be making more regular contact with families when students are absent or late to class. We will be increasing the use of SMS communication when students have unexplained absences, either full day or period by period. Please update the school whenever there are changes to mobile contact numbers or addresses etc.

Students have been reminded about responsible mobile phone use. A reminder that phones are expected to be off and out of sight when in the classroom and between classes. If this becomes an issue the behaviour management system will take effect in order to support our students to correct the behaviour. Most students have been able to do this on their own which has been great to see. A reminder that school takes no responsibility for lost or damaged devices at school. If a student chooses to bring a device to school it is at their own risk. Parents and carers are encouraged to contact the front office if they wish to make direct contact with their child during school hours (this will help them in the classroom). As always I encourage you to make contact with me at the school if you have questions and concerns.

I am looking forward to November when we have the opportunity to be involved in an amazing program from Learning Lab Australia. The staff and students at KHS will be undertaking Emotional Assertiveness training together. This is a fabulous opportunity for our school to grow together.

 The Emotional Assertiveness ® for Schools’ program will be the cornerstone to supporting students to manage their own emotions and behaviour and improve their sense of connection with their peers, teachers, parents and community.

This program is not only for the students and teachers at Kempsey High School, as we will be offering a free course for parents and carers to support the children and their care, and themselves. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this valuable presentation (see details in the flyer). If Covid restrictions allow we will be offering on-site training for parents and carers else we will be limited to the online presentation.

The school executive continues to work tirelessly in preparation for 2021. Our timetable team has made a few changes to our timetable structure for next year in support of providing a broader curriculum and consistent, equitable structures. 2021 will see the introduction of a 9:00am start each day, a 5 period day (64 minute periods- no doubles) and a two week cycle (Weeks A and B). More details to follow.

As always if you have questions or concerns please contact the school.

Kind regards,

Rob Lyttle

Relieving Principal | Kempsey High School