SCHOOL LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

It is hard to believe that we now only have just over three weeks left of Term 4, 2022. After perhaps the most tiring year since the start of the COVID pandemic (is there anyone left who hasn’t had COVID this year?), we are all looking forward to a chance to rest and recuperate. 

Headstart

On Friday of last week, teachers paused to finalise assessments for 2022 and to begin preparing classes for Headstart. Our Headstart program is an integral part of our transition program where students get a ‘head start’ on the work, classes, and the homework which is expected in the following year. As always, our students have embraced this program with enthusiasm and commitment. As part of Headstart, our Year 11 (2023) students have an opportunity to undertake work placement the week after next. John and I wish them all the very best and hope that they get a lot out of again trailing the world of work.

During Headstart, we have also been trialling a different timetable structure. This change came through feedback from students, and towards the end of next week, students will be again asked to provide feedback on this change. Initial feedback from students centred around things like, recess being quite late in the day (11:00 am), especially if you hadn’t had breakfast, and the last period of the day at 90 minutes being the most challenging lesson of the day.

Our periods for Headstart are:

P1                           60 mins                9:00-10:00

Recess 1               15 mins                10:00-10:15

P2                           90 mins                10:15-11:45

Recess 2               15 mins                11:45-12:00

P3                           90 mins                12:00-1:30

Lunch                    45 mins                1:30-2:15

P4                           60 mins                2:15-3:15

Our end of year program is similar to previous years, but please watch out for the update that comes out regularly on our Facebook page. The final day of the year for students will be December the 19th .with the final day of classes being December 13th. We run an Activities program 14th-16th December. This program is designed to be fun. School Council has once again given permission for the final day of the year, December 20th to be a student free day and for an early finish for staff. Under the new agreement, schools are required to acquit time in lieu for staff who have worked outside of their regular hours. This is one way we can acquit this time with minimal impact on our community.

Our new facilities

We are getting closer and closer to being able to move into our new buildings. Towards the end of term, there may be some disruption as we move furniture and belongings over to the new buildings. Students will not officially use the new buildings until the start of next year. Over the Christmas holidays, the entire KSC site will be closed for the demolition of the A wing. Dog walkers and anyone else who uses the grounds will not be able to do so. For the safety of everyone, please avoid the site during this period.

New Staff

We are excited to have a number of new staff join us as our enrolments at KSC grow. We would like to welcome:

Mr Liam Coglin                 

English and Humanities

Ms Cathy Ferguson        

English and Humanities

Ms David Ellison               

 PE and Science

All of these teachers were excited to join the staff at KSC, and are either local or moving to this area. We currently will be interviewing for another three positions next week.

Lastly, I will be on medical leave from the 5th December until the 20th December as a surgery I had scheduled for the 20th December was brought forward to the 7th December. I would like to take this opportunity to wish our community a safe and wonderful holiday break. As I said earlier, this year has perhaps been the hardest since the pandemic started as we have all had to deal with illness throughout the year. A holiday is well deserved!

Principal - Vaya Dauphin

Assistant Principal  -  John Wilson